12-07-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS — Item #4 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 4 Date: December 7, 2015 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director Re: Bald Eagle Lake Properties Background Council members have expressed interest in investigating what it would take to change the boundary of Anoka County to include 7 or possibly 8 lots that currently straddle the Anoka County/Washington County border. These lots are somewhat unique in that they front Bald Eagle Blvd in Lino Lakes (Anoka County) and the rear of the property is located in the City of Hugo (Washington County) abutting Bald Eagle Lake. The Washington County portions of the lot are only accessible by land through Anoka County. Both Anoka County and Washington County tax the portion of the properties contained within their respective jurisdiction. In 2012 residents approached the City with concerns regarding how their properties were valued by the two respective counties. This led to some additional discussion between Lino, Hugo and each county assessing department to coordinate valuations. Based on these discussions property values where reduced. However, there was a suggestion to pursue a county boundary change so each parcel would be entirely within one county. County boundary changes are governed by Minn. Stat. Chapter 370. Based on staffs initial review it appears that a boundary change would require the following steps: 1. Receipt of a separate petition for each affected county signed by one-fourth of those voting in the county at the last preceding election. 2. If the petitions are sufficient an election in each county would be held to consider the change. Given the limited number of affected parcels is not likely a boundary change under this process would be successful. Staff has requested input from Anoka County to see if there are any other options available including special legislation. A boundary change, either by statutory provision or special legislation, if necessary, will likely require a significant investment of staff time and financial support on the part of the City.