HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 05-06 CCM Board of Appeal & Equalization MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
MAY 6, 2002
WEST FIRE STATION
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met as the Board of Equalization and was called to order by
Mayor Myrna Kragness at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kay Lasman, Ed Nelson, Robert Peppe, and Tim Ricker.
Also present were Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, City Assessor Nancy Wojcik, Fiscal and
Support Services Director Doug Sell, Hennepin County Assessor Tom May, and Deputy City Clerk
Maria Rosenbaum.
Others present were Appraiser Kelley Gillen and Appraiser Technician Karen Casto.
3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL AND
EQUALIZATION
Mayor Kragness discussed the purpose of the Board of Appeal and Equalization that is required by
Minnesota Statutes Section 274.01 which provides that the governing body of each City or a duly
appointed Board will serve as the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization. This review is held
each spring and the Board has the responsibility to review the assessed valuation and classification of
property within the City. This year's review is limited to the 2002 assessment; which affects taxes
payable in 2003. The review by the Board should focus only on either the market value or the
classification of each property and should not directly concern itself with issues of actual property
taxes of a particular property.
4. ASSESSOR'S REPORT
City Assessor Nancy Wojcik reviewed the duties of the Local Board of Appeals and Equalization
and the reported on the review for informal and formal procedures. She provided information
regarding the overall value change that was prepared by her office. Overall the increase in value
citywide including all property types is 13.5 percent and excluding new construction is 12.5 percent.
Citywide residential single-family detached only is 16.3 percent and excluding new construction is
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16.0 percent.
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Ms. Wojcik provided percentage information regarding residential neighborhoods, 2002 versus 2001
valuation changes for residential properties, residential sale information from the Realtors MLS
System, homestead tax history, a comparison of the City's property tax base by property type, and a
comparison of the City's assessed value by property type.
Councilmember Nelson questioned the Consumer Price Index and the 93 percent of all residential
properties in the City that will have a taxable value that is lower than the estimated market value for
the taxes payable in 2003. Ms. Wojcik informed the Board that the Consumer Price Index is based
on census data and statewide banking, and that the 93 percent not paying taxes IS because of the
limited market value.
Ms. Wojcik reported on the 2001 versus 2002 commercial and industrial analysis and the breakdown
of the north and south industrial areas. Councilmember Peppe questioned when Brookdale's
property would be reevaluated. Ms. Wojcik informed the Board that the Brookdale property would
be reevaluated for 2003 assessments.
5. APPEARANCES BY TAXPAYERS WITH APPOINTMENTS
Keith Wendt, 6400 Willow Lane North, addressed the Board to discuss that his property is one foot
below the flood plain and that he is having problems with a flat roof and getting financing to fix the
roof because of the flood plain. Mr. Wendt stated that he would like the Board to freeze his market
value for 2002. Ms. Wojcik stated that she had recommended a 15 percent reduction in value for the
condition of the roof, making the property at $192,700 for 2002.
The Board further discussed Mr. Wendt's concerns and comparable properties. Hennepin County
Assessor Tom May informed the Board that Mr. Wendt could appeal to the County Board by
submitting an application to the County Board by June 10, 2002, and that the hearings will be held
June 17, 2002.
Ms. Wojcik informed Mr. Wendt that her office could provide him with a mortgage officer name and
number. She suggested that he contact the individual before appealing to the County Board and
informed Mr. Wendt that the individual might be able to help with a conventional loan.
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to accept reduction of
15 percent and allow the City Assessor to reduce the market value to $192,700. Motion passed
unanimously.
6. APPEARANCES BY TAXPAYERS WITHOUT APPOINTMENT
John Roland, 3901 Burquest Lane, addressed the Board to discuss that he believes he is paying too
much property taxes.
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He shared some research that he had done on comparing properties and discussed that he does not
understand why his property taxes would increase this much when he has not done much to his
property.
Ms. Wojcik informed the Board that staff had not been able to do a walk through on this property
and that the valuation was done with comparable homes in the area.
Mayor Kragness suggested that Mr. Roland schedule a walk through with the City Assessor and that
the Board make a recommendation to adjust if necessary once the recommendation is received from
the City Assessor or sustain if appropriate.
Councilmember Lasman discussed that the focus this evening is on property values and that the
Board cannot solve this issue without a walk through on the property.
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to adjust if recommended
by the City Assessor or to sustain if appropriate. Motion passed unanimously.
Sylvester Thielman, 5325 France Avenue North, addressed the Board to discuss that he believes that
City has not improved enough for his taxes to be increased as much as they have. Mayor Kragness
informed Mr. Thielman that the taxes are based on market rates and not by City improvements.
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to sustain Mr.
Thielman's assessment. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Wojcik and Mr. May discussed options available to help pay off taxes through different
programs.
7. CONSIDERATION OF WRITTEN APPEALS
Ms. Wojcik informed the Board that she had four written appeals and that she would continue with
the recommendation provided to the Board as written.
A motion by Councilmember Lasman, seconded by Councilmember Nelson to sustain the 2002
Willow Lane Apartments, 7015 Brooklyn Boulevard, assessment as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
A motion by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to sustain the Freeway
Business Center II and III, 6707 Shingle Creek Parkway and 6701 Parkway Circle, assessment as
recommended. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to sustain the Brookdale
Square Shopping Center, 6900 Shingle Creek Parkway, assessment as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
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A motion by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to sustain the Garden City
Court Apartments, 3407 -3417 65 Avenue North, assessments as recommended. Motion passed
unanimously.
8. MOTION TO AFFIRM THE BALANCE OF THE ASSESSMENT
A motion by Councilmember Nelson, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to affirm the balance of
the assessment. Motion passed unanimously.
9. ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Ricker, seconded by Councilmember Lasman to adjourn the meeting at
8:36 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Mayor 0
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