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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 15, 1996OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 15, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Council President Peterson called the Board of Review to order at 7:00 p.m. Jones, Ruettimann, Peterson - present Mayor Sturdevant and Councilmember Jolly were out of town. ~TATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW The Council President stated that the purpose of the Board of Review was to review property valuations as of January 2, 1996 for taxes payable 1997 and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved and have more questions regarding property valuations. INTRODUCTIONS The City Manager introduced the following Anoka County employees: Ed Thurston, County Assessor, CarrOl McCain, Residential Appraiser and Diana Stellmach, Commercial Appraiser. Mr. Thurston gave a brief overview as to the formula used to arrive at a property value. He advised residents in attendance of a sign-in sheet. Their attendance at the Local Board of Review is required to appear at the County Board of Equalization Meeting scheduled for June 17, 1996. 5. OUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING PROPERTY VALUATIONS 4~4~-47 Fillmor9 Street and 4456-58 Fillmore Street The owner of the properties at 4545-47 Fillmore Street and 4556-58 Fillmore Street had questions regarding the values placed on his buildings. He was of the opinion that the rental property in the area in which his buildings are located is not experiencing any activity thereby depreciating in value. He noted that the increase amounted to 10.4% which he felt was unjustified. BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 15, 1996 PAGE 2 The Anoka County Assessor had prepared information regarding the sales of comparable buildings in the area. He mentioned that the values had increased in the area because of the improvement in the neighborhood with a new development, Heritage Heights. This area, formerly identified as the Sheffield Subdivisions, has experienced considerable redevelopment. The Assessor compared two recently-sold buildings to two of the owner's which were identical in almost every respect. He recommended the Council take no action to change the assigned valuations. 4931-33 Jackson Street The owner of this property feels that it is being devalued because of some of the activity in the area. She referred to children playing while she is trying to sleep, people driving across her lot and auto repair work being done by the neighbor. Her property value increased $900. Some of her complaints were recognized as code violations, trespassing, and non-compliance with City ordinances. It was the opinion of the Assessor these issues are not considered within the realm of the taxing authority. The property has not been viewed since 1992. The Appraiser will make an appointment to view the property. The City Manager will pursue her complaints with the appropriate department staff. 1206 Khyber Lane The owner of this property advised that his property was devalued 5% last year because of the water problems he has been experiencing. He addressed all of the associated problems which affected his house and his land. He stated he feels the property value placed on his property is acceptable. What he is requesting is a solution to the water problems. The City Manager and the County Appraiser made an appointment to view his property for April 16th at noon. COUNCIL ACTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC CASES OR CASES ON WHICH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS DESIRED After some discussion regarding individual properties, the Council felt there was no reason to continue the Board of Review. BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 15, 1996 PAGE 3 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to close the Board of Review meeting and to adopt the 1996 Assessment Rolls as presented. Roll call: Ail ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jones to.~adjourn the Board of Review at 7:45 p.m. Roll cal.,l: All ayes % Gary Pearson, Council President