HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 5, 1993OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
BOARD OF REVIEW
APRIL 5, 1993
The Board of Review was called to order by Mayor Murzyn at 7:00
p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present
Clerkin - absent
Councilmember Clerkin was attending a Traffic Commission
meeting.
2. PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW
The purpose of the Board of Review is to review property
valuations as of January 2, 1993 and to hear appeals from
citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions regarding
property valuations.
3. INTRODUCTIONS
The City Manager introduced Ed Thurston, Anoka County Chief
Appraiser and Carrol McCain, Anoka County Appraiser.
4. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUATIONS
a) St. Paul Corrugating - 700 39th Avenue
Ira Burhans, President of this company, questioned the process
for appraising property. His property was originally zoned
Industrial I and was changed to Commercial Industrial II. In
the last three years the taxes on the property had increased
12 percent each year. He felt the formula for appraising was
not accurate.
b) DuAll - 636 39th Avenue
Gary Dooner, owner of DuAll, felt many of the commercial and
industrial properties were not being treated fairly in the
City.
c) Columbia Metal Fab - 635 39th Avenue
Kenny Hentges, owner of this firm, distributed information on
buildings comparable to his which were valued for much less.
He noted that his building is located on swamp land and he
cannot add on to his building because of soil conditions. He
feels that property values per square foot are valued higher
in Columbia Heights than elsewhere in Anoka County. He also
suggested that the distance from convenient roadways and
freeways should be considered when placing value on commercial
or industrial buildings.
BOARD OF REVIEW
APRIL 5, 1993
PAGE 2
It is Hentges' observation that soil conditions, location
and other factors were not considered when other properties on
39th Avenue were valued. A number of business owners in the
area have met with an Anoka County representative regarding
their valuations. No resolution has taken place at this point
in time.
d) Lange Tank - 682 39th Avenue
Dave Carlson observed that where his firm is located is not
prime land. He also noted a disparity in per square foot value
for property adjacent to each other. He stated he does not
mind paying taxes but does mind being treated unfairly.
Thurston noted that these properties will continue to be
reviewed and there will be some resolution of the concerns
expressed.
e) Henry Korman - 4600 Taylor Street
4600 Taylor Street is a vacant lot, 40 x 128, which is valued
at $18,000. Korman advised this lot has been for sale for two
years at an asking price of $10,000. There have been no buyers
at this price.
McCain advised that forty foot lots in Columbia Heights are
selling for $18,000/$19,000. She was requested to review this
property again and compare it to similar lots.
f. ~ee Stauch - 1155 Khyber Lane
Stauch advised he owns rental property in the City. He feels
the properties he owns are valued too high.
Thurston advised that values in the area in which Stauch owns
property have been monitored. Across-the-board reductions were
given on these properties two years ago. He would not
recommend any reductions.
No one on the City Council was supportive of reducing the
valuations on the properties owned by Stauch. Councilmember
Nawrocki was of the opinion that these buildings are treated
as an investment, not housing.
5. CONTINUANCE OF BOARD OF REVIEW
Motion by Murzyn, second by Nawrocki to continue the Board of
Review to April 19, 1993 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of
hearing additional information and consider adoption of the
1993 Property Assessment Rolls. Roll call: All ayes