Consider Acquisition of Tax Forfeit Properties

Purpose:  The purpose of this case is to ask Council to consider acquiring three tax forfeit parcels for public purpose and to approve tax forfeit classification of two other parcels.

Background:  The City has received notification from Anoka County Property Records and Taxation of five (5) parcels in tax forfeit.  State Statutes requires that the governing body of a municipality must approve the classification and sale of forfeit parcels that lie within their jurisdiction.  The City is also offered the first right to acquire the tax forfeit properties. 

Upon staff review, it appears three (3) of the parcels could be acquired for public purpose, and two (2) would serve no public purpose and should therefore be classified as tax forfeit and offered for sale.

For Council's information, the Policy for the Acquisition of City Owned Land s attached to this case.

Attached to this case are profiles for each of the five tax forfeit properties, which include a GIS image and Anoka County property record. 

29-32-25-13-0008 - OUTLOT B ALPACA ESTATES 4TH ADDITION
Upon review, staff has determined this parcel could be acquired for future roadway purposes.

26-32-25-23-0030 - OUTLOT A CHESTNUT HILL 5TH ADDITION PRT PLATTED AS SUNFISH LAKE ESTATES, SUBJECT TO EASEMENT OF RECORD
Upon review, staff has determined that since our trail south of Sunwood Drive encumbers a corner of this property, this parcel could be acquired. 

25-32-25-34-0059 - OUTLOT J FLINTWOOD HILLS 2ND ADDITION SUBJECT TO EASEMENT OF RECORD
Upon review, staff has stated there is storm water runoff coming out of Flintwood Hills through this property.  Ownership would give the City better access for maintenance purposes.  This parcel could be acquired for that purpose.

26-32-25-24-0069
THE VILLAGE OF SUNFISH LAKE - LOT 5 BLOCK 3 THE VILLAGE OF SUNFISH LAKE
Upon review, staff has determined that this parcel is not needed for public purpose, and therefore, recommends that it not be acquired. 

23-32-25-14-0051 - WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 3RD ADDITION - OUTLOT B WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 3RD ADDITION
Upon review, staff has determined that this parcel is not needed for public purpose, and therefore, recommends that it not be acquired.

Two resolutions, one for the acquisition of the three parcels, and one for the classification of tax forfeit and sale of the other two parcels are attached to this case for Council action.

Staff will complete the additional responses requested by Anoka County administratively as part of the regular tax-forfeit parcel review process.

Any costs to the City of acquiring tax forfeit parcels are typically minimal, e.g. filing fees, etc.  Funding would come out of the Public Improvement Revolving Fund for Parcel 29-32-25-13-0008 and 26-32-25-23-0030.  Funding would come out of the Stormwater Utility Fund for 25-32-25-34-0059.

Staff recommends Council adopt the Resolution to acquire three of the tax forfeit proeprties and adopt a seocnd resoution classifying the other two parces as tax forfeit and allow sale. 

Motion to adopt Resolution #13-12-213 Requesting Anoka County to Withhold Certain Tax Forfeit Lands from Public Sale and Authorizing Acquisition of Tax Forfeit Properties for Public Purpose

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Motion to Adopt Resolution #13-12-214 Approving the Classification and Sale of Tax-Forfeit Parcels in the City of Ramsey