1999-01-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO DATE : January 21, 1999 TO : Honorable Mayor and Council FROM : Jim March RE : Cedar Street Park *************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Enclosed in your packet is a copy of a letter that was sent to Anoka County by our former City Attorney Greg Hellings in regards to the restricted deed on the Cedar Street park. Also included in your packet is the response to Greg Helling's letter that was received from Anoka County. ** Please note I have included excerpts from previous Council meetings where this issue was discussed. If the Council wishes to send the appropriate documents into Anoka County and the State of MN this has to be accomplished by resolution, not by a motion. I spoke to Gene Rafferty (Land Commissioner) for Anoka County. Mr. Rafferty indicated that he would send out the appropriate forms to convey the property back to the State of MN. When I asked him to give me a definite cost to the City for going through the process, he indicated that the County Assessor's market value on the parcel is $21,000. He felt that this figure was probably low. According to State law, the County Commissioner of the district where the forfeit property is located determines the property's value. In this case, he mentioned that Margaret Langfeld would be responsible for setting the property's value. He indicated that she would consult Ed Thurston (County Assessor) to appraise the property's value. I indicated that if the appraisal reflected the actual fair market value of the parcel, I assumed that the City of Centerville would be reluctant to pursue the reconveyance. I reiterated that it is to everyone's best interest (City, County, School) to see the property back on the tax roll. Mr. Rafferty agreed. I was also told that by State law that if the City of Centerville had not used the forfeit parcel for actual "park purposes" it was supposed to be reconveyed to the State of MN within five years of the initial conveyance. This probably should have occurred fifteen years ago.