City Council Workshop

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes City Council Workshop Thursday, April 25, 2019 5:45 PM Cloverleaf Farm Room A NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING 1 Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem at 5:55 p.m. 2 Roll Call Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 4 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Robertson, and Councilmember Paul Absent: 3 - Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Jeppson, and Councilmember Hovland 3 New Business 3-1 SPECIAL BOARD OF REVIEW City Clerk Sorensen stated Council, Special Board of Review members, and Anoka County Assessing staff were meeting to discuss market data in preparation for the Board of Review meeting which would be held later this evening. The members of the Special Board of Review introduced themselves to the City Council: Chair Randi Erickson, Patrick Grengs, Scott Miller, Maisa Olson, and Lynda Riley were in attendance. Anoka County Assessor Alex Guggenberger provided the Council with a handout on market information for the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting. He described how market values were determined by the County and commented on the open book process. He reported value notices are sent by the County each year in March. He discussed the appeal process in further detail noting a Blaine resident would have to make an appeal locally if wanting to pursue a valuation change with the County. He introduced his new staff members and commented on the appraisal process that was followed by the County. City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Workshop Minutes April 25, 2019 Chair Erickson commented on how industrial properties were being valuated and stated she would like more information on land patents. She explained she would be taking a class on this topic. Mayor Ryan indicated he had to excuse himself for another meeting then discussed how the housing market was being inflated at this time due to multiple offers. He expressed frustration and feared with how this would impact Blaine homeowners. He recommended inspectors be licensed with the State to assure homes that are sold are high quality. Councilmember Swanson asked how apartment complex sales were considered by the County. Mr. Guggenberger discussed how the County assessed the value of apartment complexes in Anoka County. Councilmember Paul questioned how many years it took for new homes to begin paying taxes. Mr. Guggenberger explained assessment values were set January 2 of each year and that new homes are valued according to the level of completion as of January 2. Chair Erickson questioned how homes were being assessed for property owners that were renting out rooms. Mr. Guggenberger stated this was a gray area and explained the County was looking at how to address this matter along with properties being advertised on websites such as Air BNB. He explained licensing and classification of these uses had to be considered by each City in Anoka County. Ms. Erickson inquired if many people were expected for the Board of Review meeting. Mr. Guggenberger reported he was aware of three residents that would be making a property value appeal but noted additional residents may show. Councilmember Paul requested further information on how mobile homes are valued. Mr. Guggenberger discussed how the County tracked sales and valued mobile homes in Anoka County. He noted mobile home park values were on the rise. Discussed. ADJOURN The Workshop meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Adjourned City of Blaine Page 2