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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 5, 1999bdofrevOFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 5, 1999 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Mayor Peterson called the Board of Review to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Peterson and Councilmembers Szurek, Jolly, Wyckoff and Hunter. 2. Statement of Purpose of the Board of Review Mayor Peterson stated that the purpose of the Board of Review is to review property valuations as of January 2, 1999 for tax payable 2000 and to hear appeals from citizens who feel aggrieved or have questions regarding property valuations. 3. Introductions The City Manager introduced Mary Boyle, residential appraiser and Diana Stellmach, commercial appraiser from Anoka County. The City of Columbia Heights contracts for its assessing and appraisal work with Anoka County. Ms. Boyle identified the areas of the City which she viewed recently. She noted there have been substantial increases in values ranging from eight percent to fifteen percent. These increases reflect the significant increase in selling prices. 4. Questions and Answers Regarding Property Values a) Marshall - 1600 Innsbruck Parkway Mr. Marshall presented a graph reflecting the increases in value over the last five years. He cited his previous appearances at Boards of Review which addressed water problems experienced in his neighborhood, his concern with true comparables and his experiences with the County's Board of Equalization. Mr. Marshall's present concern comes as a result of storm damage to his home involving the roof and siding. There is damage to the siding on two sides of the home. Mr. Marshall feels this should be a consideration for decreasing the value. His insurance company has indicated to him that only the two sides of the home which were damaged will be covered. He feels his out-of-pocket expense should be reflected in a decrease in value. Ms. Boyle advised that County policy is an adjustment is made only when the house cannot be occupied. Mr. Marshall felt this policy could not be defended in court. BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 5, 1999 PAGE 2 Mr. Marshall also noted that many of the homeowners in Columbia Heights were unaware, and remain unaware, of the severity of the storm in May of 1998. He requested the Council to consider alerting property owners by way of some flyers or newsletter articles.. A recommendation for no change was made by the Appraiser. b. Ingebretson - 592 38th Avenue Mr. Ingebretson felt the value of $89,000 placed on his property was too high. He has a one bedroom home, 976 square feet, and a lot size of 70 x 123. The home is fifty years old. Ms. Boyle viewed this property in August of 1998. She compared it to the home next door, noting that property was a much larger lot but the home was built in 1904. The property owner was agreeable to having the property viewed again. Ms. Boyle will contact him for an appointment. c. Hensel - 4333 Monroe Street This owner did not receive a tax statement and requested a duplicate. He did have the current valuation. He felt this increase was unjustified. The current value is $84,500. He was advised again of the high selling prices being experienced with real estate. Ms. Boyle stated that the appraisals follow the market; they do not create it. The demand is surpassing the supply. No change in value is being recommended. d. Iserman - 662 40th Avenue Mr. Iserman inquired if maintenance increases the value. Ms. Boyle said maintenance projects do not increase the value but an improvement would. No change was requested and none was recommended. e. Written Appeals of Valuation Received 1) Cain - 3947 Tyler Street Ms. Boyle has viewed the property recently. She is recommending a decrease in value of $500. BOARD OF REVIEW APRIL 5, 1999 PAGE 3 2) Stanley - 3900 Main Street Ms. Boyle had a telephone conversation with Mrs. Stanley regarding the value. Mrs. Stanley will be thinking the matter over and may request another viewing of the property. 3) Linstroth, 2305 Argonne Drive Ms. Boyle had contacted Mr. Linstroth to schedule a reviewal of his property. He declined at this point in time. He may still want a reviewal in the future. She will contact him regarding there being no change in value recommended at the Board of Review. 4) Johnson, 637 37th Avenue Ms. Boyle has spoken several times to Mrs. Johnson regarding her concerns with her valuation. A couple of attempts have been made to schedule a viewing of the property without success. Ms. Boyle cannot make any recommendation until the property has been viewed. Ms. Boyle will make an effort to view all of the four of the properties mentioned. She will bring her findings and recommendations back to the Continued Board of Review. 5. Council Actions Regarding Specific Cases or Cases on Which Additional Information is Desired Motion by Jolly, second by Szurek to continue the Board of Review Meeting to Monday, April 12, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of hearing additional information regarding only those property values appealed and discussed on April 5, 1999, and to consider adoption of the 1999 Property Assessment Rolls. Roll call: All ayes 6. Adjournment Motion by Wyckoff, second by Szurek to adjourn the Board of Review at 8:15 p.m. Roll call: All ayes Respectfully submitted, Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary