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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 [04] Apr 12 Page 2779 April 12, 199~1 Pursuant to due notice and call thereof, the City Council for the City I of St. Joseph met as a Board of Review on Wednesday, April 12, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall, as an extension of the City Clerk's office, to hear concerns of values placed on individual properties for taxable purposes. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Donald Bud Reber; Councilors Bob Loso, Ken Hiemenz, Cory Ehlert; Clerk/Administrator Rachel Stapleton; County Assessor Robert Lindvall, City Assessor Ollie Lesnick. OTHERS PRESENT: Jane Reber, Bill Barg, Dan Pueringer, Irvin Klocker, Lee Kapsner, Clarence Fischer, Andy and Elaine Imholte, Jean Dehler, M. Reisinger, Al Kalla, Margie Kalla, Joe Miller. Bill Barg (84-53790-010) 30207 91st Avenue discussed the valuation on a portion of his property. Evidently the entire area of Lot 3, Block 3 has been recorded with Bill Barg as the owner of the entire lot. Barg actually only acquired a wedge shaped area of about thirty two feet by thirty seven feet. Lindvall stated that his is evidently a property transfer recording error and he will check on it. Jane Reber (84-53733-206)expressed concern on the increase in market value and compared it to a neighboring property. Lesnick discussed ather property valuations of like properties. He felt the valuation was appropriate. I Al and Margie Kalla (84-53432-069) expressed concern on the increase in market value of their property. Lesnick stated that a porch addition was added to the value of the property. Irvin Klocker (84-53733-202) questioned the impact of the adjacent development on the valuation of his property. Mr. Klocker stated that his home is forty years old. The Assessors stated that development does not have as much effect on the valuation of property as real estate sales. They discussed methods of establishing property values, depreciation, and the relationship between valuation and taxation. Dan Pueringer (84-53532-001) discussed the past increases in his valuation by the Township and the City. On further scrutiny his valuation was lowered for the 1995 valuation (pay 1996) . Lee Kapsner (84-53805-000) stated that his house is 75 years old, and questioned how the valuation was established. Clarence Fischer (84-53472-007) protested the valuation of his ## home. He stated that the property next door is run down and has an adverse effect on the value of his property. Lesnick agreed to view the property for this consideration. I Steve and Jean Dehler (84-53857-000) - Clerk/Administrator Stapleton presented a letter from Steve Dehler protesting the valuation on his property. The request was particularly to reconsider pay 1995 valuation, and also to reconsider pay 1996 amount in relation to the amount of income produced by the property. Jean Dehler stated that Page 2780 April 12, 199~1 they were prohibited full use of the property as they had previously intended, by restrictions imposed by the Fi:ce Mal~shall. It was agl~eed that actual income produced has some effect on the valuation of I property. The Board agreed that they were not able to reconsider the valuation from pay 1995, but could consider pay 1996 valuation. Lesnick will review the property. Mildred Reisinger (84-53437-000> expressed concern :for the devaluating e:ffect both the run down property adjacent to her' home, along with the high traffic by her home, has on her property. She stated that taxes are based on valuation, but ther'e should be more to the :formula. Lesnick stated that her property is at a 25% depreciation rate, and he had compared it to a recent property sale in that area. She also questioned if therE' is a way to freeze senior citizens property taxes. Currently this is not available but she was directed to discuss her concerns with her state legislator. Mayor Reber stated that the City would discuss the status o:f the adjoining lot, and possible methods of cleaning up the lot. Joe Miller (84-53425-001) asked the Board to reconsider the valuation placed on his property. He felt that the lean-to constructed was essentially repair and maintenance to correct a water problem. Lesnick stated that the lean-to is a storage :facility and being used as such. Miller stated that the main part o:f the building is 42' x 97' and one lean-to is 20' x 97' . The Board :further discussed the building's dimensions and use. Clerk/Administrator Stapleton presented info:cmation received from Sy I Prom, A & S Properties (** > on the valuation of his property. HE' requested the City Assessor reconsider the valuation amount, with consideration o:f the actual construction costs. Lesnick stated that he recently had visited his property, and was willing to rE'view othE'r costs. Ken Twit (84-53675-0Ø0) questioned thE' value of his property. LE'snick stated that there is an active real estate market in the area, and valuations are established by market price. Other issues discussed were the need for patio homes type buildings :for senior citizens; the need to clean up abandoned construction on a vacant lot. Loso made a motion to recess the Board o:f Review at 9:05 p.m. ; seconded by Ehlert. Ayes: Reber, Rieke, Loso, Hiemenz, Ehlert. Nayes: None. Motion carried. Rachel Stapleton Clerk/Administrator I