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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986 06-02 CCM Board of 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 June 2, 1986 City Hall CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met as the Board of Equalization and was called to order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Gene Lhotka, Celia Scott, and Bill 'Hawes. Mayor Nyquist noted that Councilmember Theis was unable to attend this evening's meeting. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, City Assessor Peter Koole, Property Appraiser Joe DaBruzzi, and Administrative Aid Patti Page. INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Father O'Connor from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. _PURPOSE OF BOARD OF EQUALIZATION The City Manager reviewed the purpose of the Board of Equalization meeting and pointed out that the City Council was serving as the Board of Equalization to conduct a review of assessed valuation within the City, and to allow time for public inquiry regarding local assessments after the City Assessor makes his report. The City Manager introduced Peter Koole, City Assessor, who explained that the values discussed this evening will serve as the basis for 1987 taxes. He added that the Board of Equalization reviews the City Assessor's work and he explained that the City appraisers are fully certified by the State of Minnesota. He explained that the Assessor's responsibility is to treat the value of similar properties in similar ways with regard to valuations. He also noted that the City Assessor's office has asked that people call his office prior to the Board of Equalization meeting to make an appointment with the staff to discuss their particular request, and also, if necessary, to register for an appearance at the Board of Equalization. He noted that no one had pre- registered for this evening's meeting. PROCEDURAL REVIEW OF PROPERTY TAXATION The City Assessor noted that in the past there has been a channel of appeals which began with the local Board, then onto the County Board, the State Board, and finally to the Tax Court if carried that far. He explained that recent changes in legislation have changed this channel of appeal and that now appellants have the option to appear before the local Board or go straight to the Tax Court. THE CITY ASSESSOR'S REPORT The City Assessor next reviewed the sales ratio studies. He explained that the sales ratio study was a substantive part of what is done by the Assessing 6 -2 -86 -1- Department. He briefly reviewed the 1986 sales ratio study. He stated that the average sale price of a home in Brooklyn Center is $69,390 and the average market value is $64,241. He also explained the Assessing Department analyzes the sales by style, location, price, age, and neighborhood. He reviewed the valuations of several homes located in different parts of the City, including homes located on a lake or river, in proximity to a highway or freeway, commercial and multiple family units, and homes located near parkland. The City Assessor reviewed inspections by the appraisers. ' He commented that State Law requires one - fourth of the properties in the City be revalued and inspected each year. He showed the Council on a map of the City which areas had been revalued and inspected in 1985 for the 1986 assessment. He noted, in addition to the regular inspections made each year, the Assessing Department must also inspect the work on each building permit. Councilmember Hawes asked if the Assessing Department would be setting up a separate category for the homes around the new golf course. The City Assessor stated that his department would be watching this area to see if a pattern develops and eventually a new category may be included. Mayor Nyquist asked if all the petitions taken to Tax Court were from commercial owners. The City Assessor stated that all the petitions were from commercial, industrial, and apartment owners. He noted that there were no petitions from residential home owners. PUBLIC INQUIRY REGARDING LOCAL ASSESSMENTS The City Manager explained that there had been no pre- registrations for this evening's meeting but that a request had just been made by Mr. Scott Regan and Mr. Robert Regan representing Osseo /Brooklyn Bus Garage at 4435 68th Avenue North. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr. Scott Regan and Mr. Robert Regan, owners of the Osseo /Brooklyn Bus Garage, located at 4435 68th Avenue North. Mr. Robert Regan stated that they had chosen to appear before the local Board this evening in hopes that they could avoid attending Tax Court. Mr. Regan stated that last year the City came to a determination that he owned more property than what he was being assessed for. Mr. Regan showed the Council a land survey which he had completed, stating that he owned 203,627 sq. ft. He noted that the City claims he owns 210,000 sq. ft. Mr. Regan added that in 1985 the County had come out and looked at his property but to the best of his knowledge they did not do an actual survey. The City Assessor stated that in 1985 the County Board discovered the: discrepancy. He added that he could not respond to what the County had done in the past but asked that Mr. Regan submit all the evidence submitted this evening for the City Engineering Department to review. The City Assessor stated that based on the approvals that Mr. Regan has already obtained for his business, he does have excess property. He added that this excess property should be separated from the developed land. He added that he would like to thoroughly investigate the square footage discrepancy and suggested that the Council make a motion to reclassify the property into commercial and vacant property, thus, reducing the market valuation to $739,300. He added that if this was not an 6 -2 -86 -2- agreeable compromise with Mr. Regan the meeting would have to be continued to the June 16, 1986 meeting to allow time for further investigation. There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Hawes to accept the City Assessor's recommendation to reduce the 1986 estimated market a et value on the property located at 4435 68th Avenue North from $796,000 to 739 300. The $ motion as p sed. RECESS The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 7:52 p.m. and reconvened at 7:55 p.m. There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Hawes to approve the tax roll as amended. The motion passed. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Scott to adjourn the Board of Equalization meeting. The motion passed. The Board of Equalization adjourned at 7:59 p.m. City Clerk Mayo 6 -2 -86 -3-