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I I I Council Meeting Minutes March 14, 1995 Page 4 Council Business. continued Fulton feels this will be a collective effort to define the needs and direction of the Public Safety Departments. The facilitator will perform the internal assessment, but staff will take the lead role in the community assessment. Samuelson feels the safety of New Brighton residents is important as well as the quality of service. She feels the facilitators will provide excellent service. Motion by Samuelson, seconded by Larson, to RETAIN THE SERVICES OF KAREN RAY AND ASSOCIATES FOR FACILITATION SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PUBLIC SAFETY VISIONING PROCESS FOR AN AMOUNT ESTIMATED NOT TO EXCEED $13,625. 4 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. Gunderman noted that New Brighton property owners received a 1995 estimated property market value statement from Ramsey County for the third time this year. The most recent statement shows a 5 % increase in market value used for assessment purposes. He questioned its equity and is concerned that it is a blanket increase throughout New Brighton. He asked staff to investigate the increase. Fulton will investigate and present his findings to Council on March 28. Typically, property values should stay close to what would be received if the property were sold. The County evaluates properties on an individual basis, but may sometime make percentage increases across various properties in order to get closer to true market value. This could be what Ramsey County is doing, but in any case, the City should validate this. According to the statement, property owners have until April 7 to appeal the decision. It is an issue which should be clarified and staff will take a look at the sale ratios within other metro area counties. Gunderman requested that Fulton research whether the entire City was assessed at this ratio. Williams acknowledged that an increase in property valuation does not automatically mean higher taxes; the tax rate depends upon the mill levy assessed against that valuation. He would much rather see an increase in market value than a decline. Gunderman noted his concern regarding equity. Samuelson requested research if any New Brighton properties showed a decreased value. Williams does not feel there was an automatic 5 % increase across the board. Announcements and Updates The annual charity basketball game between Irondale School and the Police Department will be April 7. The Cable Commission will meet to discuss expanding Channel 16 programming. Fulton attended the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. Fulton and Benke met with Senators Wellstone and Grams, and Congressman Vento. Issues discussed included: tax cuts relating to environmental restoration, public safety, unfunded mandates, and telecommunications. Council Business Consultant for Public Safety Visioning Process Report 95-041 1995 Market Value Statement Announcements and Uodates Basketball Game Cable TV NLC Conference