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99-82Council File # �� - g eZ ORIGINAL Presented Referred To Green Sheet # 62267 Committee Date 1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paui hereby certifies and approves the January 19, 2 1999, decision of the I.egislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the following 3 addresses: 4 5 6 7 Property Ap ealed Ap�ellant 311 Walnut Street (Laid over from 12-15-98) Pat Gavin Decision: I,aid Over to the Februazy 16, 1999, Properiy Code Enforcement Meeting. 8 54 Crocus Place (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) Anne Marie Solberg for Beverly Abuzzahab. 9 Decision: An extension is granted to February 1, 2004, to bring the property into compliance with the rainleader 10 ordinance. 11 500 Como Avenue (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) Paui Zisla for WDH Investments Co. 12 Decision: Bxtension granted to June 30, 1999, to make coirections on the office building. The metal industrial 13 building will be laid over to the July 6, 1999, Property Code Enforcement meeting. 14 559 McKnieht Road South 15 Decision: Appeal denied. 16 599 L,aurel Avenue 17 18 Decision: Appeal denied, but extension granted to June 30, 1999. RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 1 I,eonard N. Anderson Doris Wahl for Hawthorn West Condominium Association 1 °I9 - g� 2 � �� Yeas Na s Absent Blakey � Coleman � Harris � Benanav � Reiter � Bosffom � Lantry � � 8 Adopted by Council: Date��'S'� �� 9 ' 10 Adopfion�ed by Council ecretary 11 By: ,�_. � oA 12 Approved by Mayo � ` � � �� 13 By: Requested by Department of: � Form Approved by City Attomey � Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � 2 a9-�� 1/20/99 GREEN SHEET n,o 6226'7 Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 January 27, 1999 TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES nv,a,�r owarae ❑ arc�nouar ❑ a�ra�uc _ ❑ r.wcwaoexeFSOn ❑ nuxo,um�w.cero ❑ WIOR(dlAE96fA1R) ❑ (CLJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) Approving the Januaxy 14, 1949, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the following addresses: 311 Walnut Street, 54 Crocus Place, 500 Como Avenue, 559 McRnight Road South, and 599 Laurel Avenue. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMITTEE CIVIL SERVICE CAMMISSION Hasthis PQ�T�� ever wakecl under a cant(aU tor this depaRmert4 YES NO Fms tlxs v�Nfirm e.er been a ary empbyee9 YES NO Doec this persaJfirm poseess a sldll not normallypossessed by any current city empbyce? YES NO Is this persoNfiim a targeted vendoR YES 'NO olain all ves answeis on seoatate sheet and attach to nreen sheet ( /q� }q ya •a � � ML f� i�vM Ar� VE �-� ��.� • ��ar� � � �w�� AMOUNT OP TRANSACTION S COST/REYR7UE BUD6ETED (CIRCLE ON� YES NO ACTNRY NUMBER • ��a �� r��1 �st�y �st ~� 3�-q69'b tis W �`.""" " � P"",1 �'Yl,"' S S l oZ Gelvw� �x�c�vrn,r��m � e,�,, � s� ��1 Q`t-8'a No�.e vU r � _ I� 19, i9 � � � �� ,��, � C� c�a,w�,um m� , . � � � ` c� �.P,ti.el��,,�,,,,�� ai ��` '� �.� �c��`o.� :� m� � Q �� ✓�� Q 31 �,U�;�n�� 30 �✓�'me Xo � l . Q 54 Cn� �— S t�.e.tino ,7Gs �� r� n.�rn.��N ��) Q 50� c.�,,� � �d �� q� .� � � (� ss`� s � �v��t � No 7t�:�.e �n�� . � � . � �� -�� / � r N r � � � I / � / ��i � � �� 1 � �i� �� ►I ; 1 I / I I � ♦ / 1 ' � � � i � � 1 � � � �, , � � I ',� � • ' ' 1 t ' 1 i.. � .I � • ,' �'e�`��c� �° `�'� '�`�' � �''�"�' � � c�M�,,�„�,� � �. � � � � ��,.�U�„ �;ouncii Research Center �S. C,r� :�A o, �2/�n� � -�/v+�in� aQ �p�,�Q � _, .. ` � s ;�'£g V � � <ts-t �a� stooe �� . • j0 S310N � v3av �HlIM3�N3tl3�N0� � � O1 � WOtlj lltl� � 31tl� �ON 3llj �3ki ooee-szz (aial �oxa�t� IOT49 VSOS3NNII�H "IRPd'SS oxtazins xniva -�v�xoatvx J.sxna oozz xouvcoossa -rvxoissaaova NT�J�IOInI ai�ZV SzJtJI�ig • S30Y3.�Ib MB"I • • 99-8'2- City o£ St. Paul Office of the City Attorney Mr. George T. Stephenson Assistant City Attorney Room 400, City Hall 15 West Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN. 55102 January 20, 1999 Councii Research Center �`'.°: � � i?�9 — ��z =-�,d. c^.�° "..; Re: Leonard Anderson 559 South McKnight Road St. Paul, MN. 55119 Dear Mr. Stephenson: Please be advised that I discharged my attorney, James G. Roban, in regard to this matter of the condition of my property. Effective immediately as of noon on this date of January 20, 1999, I would like to resolve the few minor issues with Mr. Votel, the City of St. Paul and myself. If you can answer the following questions in writing, we will have a basis for a complete solution, and a win-win solution to the current situation. This solution will allow the loan from the City of St. Paul Loan Fund to Rehab my property, thus settling forever the lonq standing problem and everyone will win. This morning, Mr. Votel said he would address the code violations at my neiqhbor's property thereby eliminating my long term dispute that he was treating me unfairly by not fairly enforcing the code for the entire neighborhood. This new fair treatment plan will finally allow you, Mr. Votel, and myself to mediate a solution that will restore peace and goodwill. Mr. Stephenson, I really appreciate all the efforts you have made to resolve this matter. I look forward to helping resolve this matter, and you will receive my full cooperation. Please extend my apologies to Mr. Votel. The followinq are some solutions to the current situation in regard to my property: 1) I will empty the dumpster when the rehab of my property is complete. 2} I will license my Bus/RV or park it in the garage. 3) The lumber and Spancrete will be used in the Rehab project on my property. 4) The wood pile which now meets the code will be smaller after the heating season. , � q9-8�- 5) Mr. Votel said he was OK with the snow plow off road truck (tractor) since zoning said the snow-plow truck was OK. (MN. Stat. 165.011 exempts a license for off-road equipment.) 6) The licensed Red Trailer will have the Black MTC letters painted red to match the trailer body. 7) Ramsey Action Programs will arrange to start work on my home the week of January 25, 1999. 8) The Ford Truck with license number 923-JMX, will be removed by the owner (Not Anderson), when neighbor's Jeep License Number: MLK 639 is removed. This will ensure fairness. 9) The relevant above work will be done when the snow melts (Spring). 10) I request your written answers to the attached FAX questions One through £our in regard to the housing code and my property. I look forward to pour written reply to this proposed solution to the situation. Yours truly, Leonard N. Anderson LNA. Encl. Council Research Center �_�! � �? �acg - Qs.��c� � \ \`�C�t' l�"� �� NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODb EN�ORCEMEI3T MEETING January 19, 1999 Room 330, Ciry Hall Gerry Strathman, I,egislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Phiilip Owens, Fire Prevention; Don Stein, Public Works; Michael Urmann, Fire Prevention; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. 311 Walnut Street Pat Gavin, owner, appeazed and stated he is doing wiring, plumbing, and throwing away items. It will take quite a while to get the plumbing done and to take out the service wiring. The electrical inspection will be done when he is ready. He has not had communication with Maynazd Vinge, the inspector. Gerry Strathman asked when there will be an electrical inspection. Pat Gavin responded the electrical will be finished within a month. Gerry Strathman laid over this matter to the February 16, 1999, Property Code Enforcement Meeting citing he is concerned about the electrical. Once the electrical is done, the owner can be given additional time to take caze of the other items. 54 Crocus Place (Rescheduled from i-5-99) Anne Marie Solberg, Oppenheimer, Wolff, and Donnelly LLP, and Beverly Abuzzahab, owner, appeared. Ms. Solberg stated they are requesung a variance or an extension of time for compliance with L.egislative Code 41.03, disconnecting rainleaders from the sanitary sewer. This property's rainleader was disconnected in the 1980's when the first order came out. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Abuzzahab experienced problems with the water. Ms. Abuzzahab has made costly changes to the home, and suffered damage to her home as a result. Extensions have been added to the rainleaders. She has dug azound her house. A crack was in the foundation as a result of the land retaining water; the crack was sealed. The surrounding yard has been graded. Gravel and plastic were laid down. Commercial gutters have been installed. A structural engineer was consulted who said the conect measures have been taken to deal with the problem. Ms. Abuzzahab continued to experience standing water problems in the basement. The rainleaders were reconnected in 1995. Ms. Abuzzahab stated all of the plaster washed away in one part of the basement after the disconnect. She has had no problems since it was reconnected. Ms. Solberg went on to say that accarding to a map from the Ciry, when the combined sewer was disconnected, the City did not piace a storm sewer in the Crocus Hill azea. The water has no place to go. As a result, the soil is holding water and pressing on the foundation of Ms. Abuzzahab's house. If she is forced to disconnect the rainleaders, there wiil be major structural �� PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEET'ING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 2 of 8 problems with the property. The home is on the historic register, therefore, any repairs have to be made in a historic nature. Gerry Strathman asked about the suROUnding landscape on the lot. Beverly Abuzzahab responded her house covers most of the lot. In some azeas, the distance between her house and the next door neighbor's house is only three feet. Anne Marie Solberg responded any extensions have to be directed away from their home. There aze extensions running all across the yazd. Gerry Strathman asked how much has been invested to deal with this issue. Beverly Abuzzahab responded initially she spent $1,800 for a section of gutter. Recently more gutters have been installed. Gravel has been purchased. One room had to be replastered. Thousands of dollazs have been spent. Anne Marie 3olberg corrected the amount and stated it has to be tens of thousands of dollars. Don Stein reported the opinion of Public Works is that the rainleader can be disconnected. It may require the filling of some of the azeas where it looks like the ground has settled on the west side of the property. With the proper extensions, it can be disconnected without endangering the home. Beverly Abuzzahab stated Public Works said she did a good job regrading. The biggest problem is on the east side, not the west side. She asked has he visited the property. Mr. Stein responded he saw it two years ago for the original time extension request. Gerry Strathman stated there are no provisions in the legislative code for granting vaziances for the rainleader disconnect requirement. This ordinance was written pursuant to an agreement with the federal government having to do with pollution of the river. The only latitude that exists in the statute is an optlon for granting additional time. In this case, the property owner has made more than a reasonable attempt to comply with the law. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal, however, an extension is granted to February 1, 2004, to bring the property into compliance with the rainleader ordinance. 500 Como Avenue (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) The following people appeared: Paul Zisla, Moss and Barnett; Stu Hillis, North Atlantic Technologies; and Allen Karson, North Atlantic Technologies. Paul Zisla stated they aze appealing the requirement to remove the rust on the roof and exterior of the metal industrial building. There aze four points Mr. Zisla made. 1) The roof may appear unsightly because it is rusting, an issue of weathering. The roof is structurally sound and is not leaking. There is no specific provision that addresses unsightliness. 2) It is expensive to take care of this roof. A cosmetic cleanup would be $60,000 to $100,000. To get something that lasts beyond 3'/z years would cost about $150,000. 3) There aze some inconsistencies in the enforcement of this provision of the code. (Mr. Zisla showed Gerty Strathman three photographs of a building which may be owned by Saint Paul.) 4) This property is part of the Ma�cim Steel �� Z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 3 of 8 azea. The City of Saint Paui and the Port Authority have plans for the azea. Mr. Zisla feels the fate of this building should be addressed before money is spent on the roof. Gerry Strathman asked about the location and purpose of the building. Stu Hillis responded it is at Western and Dale on Como Avenue. These corrugated steel buildings were erected in 1963. The coating has eroded over time. The thicl�ess is the same as when it was made. It is just environmental weathering. North Aflantic Technologies manufactures waste heat recovery systems in two of the buildings. The third building is used for storage; half of the building is used by a machine moving company. Allen Kazson stated John Young from the Port Authority says it is the Port Authority's intention to buy the property. Phillip Owens presented photographs to Gerry Strathman. He stated it is the Fire Department's position that this is a simple maintenance issue. By their own admission, the galvanizing is coming off. The galvanizing is a protective coating for the building just as paint would be. The building has become deteriorated and needs maintenance. The appellants say there may be movement by the Port Authority, but Fire Prevention has no knowledge of it. In regard to painting the office building, the need is ciearly shown in the photographs. The building inspector was lead to believe there was a plan, however, no plan was forthcoming. Paul Zisla responded he is asking for a reasonable time this summer to paint the office building. Everything the inspector said is true regarding that building. As for the plan Mr. Owens mentioned, the inspector may have thought the business was committed to the painting proposal, but the plan was not adopted by the owner. Gerry Strathman granted an extension to June 30, 1999, to make correc6ons on the office building. The metal industrial building will be laid over to the July 6, 1999, Properiy Code Enforcement Meeting. The legislative session will be over by that time; it should be cleaz if this building will be acquired and redeveloped or continued in its current usage. 559 McKnight Road South 7im Roban, attorney for I,eonard L. Anderson, appeared and stated the City is alleging there is junk, metal, wood, and automobiles on the grounds, and the house is in an improper condition. Mr. Roban wrote a letter on January 8 to the City, but never received a reply. The City did send a letter on December 28, 1998, to Mr. Anderson concerning this matter. That is why there was a meeting on January 4 with Chuck Votel to work out the problems. Mr. Anderson is retired. He is handicapped with a heart condition, therefore, it is difficult for him to work on the property. The property has been cleaned up. The basic issue is time. Mr. Anderson is trying to get a Housing and Redevelopment application to get funds to fix up the property. He suffered about $1,000 worth of storm damage last year. It is difficult to see the house because it is set back from McKnight Road. It is lower in the back than from the front because the house is on high ground �� z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEN'I' MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 4 of 8 and the low ground is in the back. The items that aze considered by Code Enforcement to be improper are in the rear of his property and cannot be seen. Leonard Anderson, owner, appeazed and stated the City wants to treat him unfairly. A suit was filed against the City. Mr. Anderson stated he has a medical condition and is disabled, but Chuck Votel has disregarded this. I.eonard Anderson presented photographs to Gerry Strathman and explained them. Mr. Anderson also presented a packet of numbered pages, which he went over individually with Mr. Strathman. The items aze as follows: Item 1 A letter dated February 9, 1996, from Stillwater Medical Group, P.A. explaining L.eonazd Anderson's medical condition. This letter does not have a signature line. Item 2 An unsigned letter dated January 13, 1999, from Morley Frantzick, Mediation Systems, 3375 I.ester Avenue, Hastings. Item 3 A letter dated January 16, 1999, to Mayor Norm Coleman from Calvin Scott, 555 McKnight Road South, who wrote he had no complaint against the condition of the properry at 559 McKnight Road South. Item 4 A petition signed by 12 people desiring a less restrictive legislative code regarding land use and code enforcement. Item 5 Item 6 Item 7 Item 8 Item 9 Item 10 A plat of the property signed by Larry Zangs, License, Inspections, and Environmental Protection (LIEP), dated 7anuary 6, 1998. Copies of four photographs showing 559 McKnight Road South. Copies of two photographs showing two vehicles and a map. Copies of five photographs showing license plates and a copy of one photograph showing a trailer. Copies of photographs showing wood piles. Leonard Anderson stated this pile is four feet high and four feet wide. The first page of a letter dated December 28, 1998, to I.eonard Anderson from the Division of Property Code Enfarcement. Mr. Anderson stated this letter contains numerous errors and falsehoods. (There is no Item 11) Item 12 A memo dated January 13, 1999, from George Stephenson, Assistant City Attorney, to Jim Roban, in which Mr. Stephenson responds to four questions posed to him. Item 13 A fa�ced memo dated January 5, 1999, from Jim Roban to George Stephenson, Larry Zangs, and Wendy Lane (LIEP) asking far written responses to four questions. (Item 12 contains those responses.) Ttem 14 A faaced memo dated January 6, 1999, to Govemor Jesse Ventura from L,eonazd Anderson informing the Governor that Mr. Anderson's home needs to be repaired, the City is prevenung him from living in the home, and help is needed to resolve this problem. Item 15 A letter dated January 8, 1999, from James Roban to Fred Owusu, Office of the City Clerk, infornung Mr. Owusu that Mr. Anderson would like to resolve this problem. �� Z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 5 of 8 Gerry Strathman asked about the status of the loan. I.eonazd Anderson responded the loan was approved. Around Chrisrinas, a snowplow came down the street and knocked the mailboxes down. Mr. Anderson called someone from the rehabilitation fund and was told the mail came back undeliverable and his name was taken off the list. Mr. Anderson's name is now back on the list for another two yeazs. Every time his name gets on top of the list, Chuck Votel comes around. The City throws road blocks in front of Mr. Anderson to prevent him from getting the funds to rehabilitate his property. Item 16 This is page 2 of Item 15. I.eonazd Anderson showed Mr. Strathman blueprints and other information at this point. Item 17 A faxed memo dated January 13, 1999, from I.eonazd Anderson to Steven Trimble, State Representative, and Randy Kelly, State Senator, thanking them for sharing his concern about housing. Item 18 A confirmation of a faY dated 7anuary 15, 1999, from Leonazd Anderson to Chris Dantis and Paul Vielhaber, Ramsey Action Programs, confirming the weatherization of 559 McKnight Road South. Mr. Anderson stated Mr. Dantis and Mr. Votel got into a fight on the property, which Mr. Anderson did not witness. Someone from Code Enforcement told Mr. Dantis that the weatherization of the home could not be done because items put outside the home would be destroyed and thrown away. Mr. Dantis has since talked to a state legislator and now says he will come out and finish insulating the home. Item 19 First page of a faaced memo dated January 15, 1999, to Govemor Jesse Ventura, Steve Trimble, and Randy Kelly from Leonard Anderson requesting they appear at this hearing. Item 20 A cover sheet of a fased message dated January 10, 1997, to Mayor Norm Coleman from Leonard Anderson and Cazol Berg. (The cover sheet indicates a total of 6 pages were sent.) Item 21 The first page of a letter dated December 4, 1997, to Mayor Norm Coleman and Deputy Mayor Susan Kimberly from I,eonazd Anderson. At the top is noted "Second Request Ol/14/99." It is entitied "Uncooperative City Staff, attitudes and policies Chat create homeless people -(myselfl." (This first page indicates there are a total of i l pages.) Mr. Anderson read this letter. Item 22 This is Page 2 of Item 21. Mr. Anderson read this letter. Item 23 A fased message dated August 29, 1997, to Councilmember Gladys Morton and her legislative aide Bob Conner from L,eonard Anderson mazked "Second Request," regarding "Your progress report for assistance at 559 South McKnight Road." (This sheet indicates there were a total of 14 pages.) Item 24 A fased message dated December 9, 1997, to Nancy Anderson, City Council Office Manager, from I.eonard Anderson regarding "City Council appearance - 12/10/97." This sheet asked for a confirmation receipt of this fas and appointment time in writing of the City Council meeting. ��r�z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 6 of 8 Item 25 A memo to the seven council members dated December 10, 1997, regazding "Urgent - time of the essence. I am requesting an emergency City Council appointment for 12/10/97!" Leonard Anderson stated Jim Roban drove to 559 McKnight Road South to show the restraining order against the City to some City workers. The workers left. The City has threatened, harassed, and discriminated against Mr. Anderson. He has an appointment with his legislator tomorrow to have some action done on this. Gerry Strathman asked Chuck Votel to explain what is being done with this property. Mr. Votel reported a notice was sent to I.eonazd Anderson on December 28, 1998, requesting him to do three things. There aze things at the property that create a nuisance and an eyesore, and are in violation of the property maintenance code and the nuisance law. Gerry Strathman asked were these items a violation of the zoning code. Chuck Votel responded they are violations of the housing code. Until 1997, there was a file on this property and court action. A restraining order was issued to prohibit the City from exercising a work order on a summary abatement. These conditions were cleaned up in 1997. That work order and the file was closed out. The condition has reoccurred in 1998 and, as evident in the recent photographs, the property reverted to what it was previously. When a conection notice was issued on December 28, there was a short time line. Part of this cotrection notice read that L,eonard Anderson had been previousiy notified of this issue, and should consider this to be final notice. Mr. Votel attempted to negotiate a time line to clean up the yazd and remove the buses, but Mr. Anderson spends more time arguing than saying what he can and cannot do. L.eonard Anderson stated these photographs are not relevant anymore. Mr. Strathman responded the photographs aze dated December 14, 1998. Gerry Strathman asked what was the purpose of the two buses in the photographs. Chuck Votel responded they are full of materials and used for storage. L.eonard Anderson has made reference to the condition on other properties, however, he does not want the other areas inspected. Inspections are usually due to complaints received. Gerty Strathman asked Leonard Anderson about one of the photographs. Mr. Anderson responded that is a dumpster, which is 1/6 full. It is still there. However, Mr Anderson does not feel the photograph is dated correctly. He talked to Fred Owusu, City Clerk, about this issue. Mr. Owusu informed him if a subpoena is sent, his office will respond to it. When the subpoena came, Mr. Anderson's file disappeazed. It seems the timing is closely choreographed to harass him and avoid the due process of the law. Gerry Strathman asked where did the buses and trucks come from. I,eonard Anderson responded he purchased the bus at an auction and wants to use it to get out of Minnesota. The legislative �� U � PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 7 of 8 code is clear that he can have one vehicle on his properiy as long as there is a gazage, but the vehicle occasionatly comes out of the gazage. Mr. Strathman asked are the buses licensed and driveable. Mr. Anderson's responded one bus is driveable. The other bus is actually a trailer with a hltch and a license plate. Gerry Strathman asked about the dates. Chuck Votel responded he inspected the property on December 14, the orders were issued on December 28, and the photographs were taken December 14. The three items on the December 281ist as follows: 1) Remove lazge piles of tree limbs, boazds, and lumber; 2) Remove buses, van bodies, huck crane, and Ford truck with expired license; 3) Repair the house and garage to a sound condition. The house and garage have incomplete, unfinished and improperly constructed walls, decks, foundation, roof, and trim. The foundation is improperly backfilled. The building is substantially deteriorated and dilapidated. The exterior has materiais which aze not designed to be exposed to the elements directly. Gerry Strathman asked was it Leonazd Anderson's contention that there is no trash, the vehicles are legal and proper, and the house is not dilapidated and deteriarated. Mr. Anderson responded there aze no tree limbs; it should read firewood. One of the buses drives, but it does not have a plate because it is normally in the garage. The yellow truck is an off road piece of equipment akin to a bulldozer, and exempt from licensing. It plows the snow, and Mr. Anderson has a pernut for it. The house needs repair. The actions of Chuck Votel are preventing him from getting a rehabilitation loan. Melvin Jerry, 450 McKnight Road, appeazed and stated I.eonazd Anderson is trying to maintain his property. Mr. Anderson has gotten rid of many items. There is a big improvement. The trailer on the property does not belong to Mr. Anderson. Many items are not visible from the street. Mr. Anderson does good things to help other people. He does have a health condition. Gerry Strathman responded having health problems does not exempt people from the law. Donald Johnson, 559 McKnight Road South, and Jeffrey Crawford, 200 Arch Street East #207, both spoke on behalf of I.eonazd Anderson. They said that Mr. Anderson has put a lot of work into his property. The neighbors aze not complaining. Mr. Strathman responded neighbors probably are complaining, but who they are is not a matter of public record. Leonard Anderson stated he would like some time to get the job done. Gerry Strathman stated the photographs dated December 14 clearly show trash and piles of lumber lying around the property. Mr. Strathman does not believe the vehicles aze properly licensed ar stored. By all accounts, this house is in a serious state of disrepair. Even the plans presented by Mr. Anderson show extensive repairs that need to be done on this home which he has not done because he was unable to get the loan. James Roban stated the matter could be resolved if Leonard Anderson was granted extra time on this matter given the weather, conditions, and his health. Gerry Strathman responded if that were q� �Z PROPERTY CODE EI�SFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 8 of 8 the only matter, the time issue could be worked out. The position Mr. Anderson has taken is that the orders aze incorrect and invalid, but not that he needs more time. Gerry Strathman denied the appeai. 599 Laurel Avenue I.eslie Goranson, Treasurer of the Hawthorn West Condominium Association, appeazed and stated she is appealing Items 1, 4, and 5 on the deficiency list. She spoke to Michael Urmann, and they have agreed there would not be a reason to enfarce Items 4 and 5 because of an ordinance passed a week ago. Everything else on the deficiency list, except for Item l, has been addressed. Item 1 is to scrape and refinish exterior siding and associated woodword and trim where it is peeling. Ms. Goranson looked up legislative code 34.09, which Item 1 refers to. This building has nothing to do with cracked or peeling paint that is exposed, lead based paint, or an exterior situation that is admitting dampness to the interior or the shucture. The building has been repainted twice. The records show it was sandblasted in 1990 prior to be repainted. Also, the only dampness or exterior damage concerns have been addressed. There was a full replacement of the roof. This is a six unit owner occupied building. (Mr. Goranson showed Gerry Strathman photographs of the property.) Gerry Strathman asked what did the inspector Mike Ricketson see that made him think the exterior needed refinishing. L.eslie Goranson responded there is some exterior peeling of some paint. Michael Urmann reported he saw the properiy today. The exterior surfaces are wood frame and are required to be sealed to protect it from decay as required under city ordinance. The siding is wood and the trim aronnd the windows is wood. It will be in bad shape by summertime. Section 34.09(1)c refers to the protection of exterior wood frames. Gerry Strathman asked when the building will be redone. I.eslie Goranson responded the gazage has been discussed. It will be done this summer. Two yeazs ago when the roof was replaced, the association's reserves were exhausted. 'The association is trying to find a loan. A$40,000 painting job is not sometY�ing the association could do this yeaz. With the proper planning, it could be addressed in the following year. Gerry 5trathman denied the appeal, but a time extension was granted to June 30, 1999. The meeting was adjoumed at 3:42 p.m. rrn Council File # �� - g eZ ORIGINAL Presented Referred To Green Sheet # 62267 Committee Date 1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paui hereby certifies and approves the January 19, 2 1999, decision of the I.egislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the following 3 addresses: 4 5 6 7 Property Ap ealed Ap�ellant 311 Walnut Street (Laid over from 12-15-98) Pat Gavin Decision: I,aid Over to the Februazy 16, 1999, Properiy Code Enforcement Meeting. 8 54 Crocus Place (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) Anne Marie Solberg for Beverly Abuzzahab. 9 Decision: An extension is granted to February 1, 2004, to bring the property into compliance with the rainleader 10 ordinance. 11 500 Como Avenue (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) Paui Zisla for WDH Investments Co. 12 Decision: Bxtension granted to June 30, 1999, to make coirections on the office building. The metal industrial 13 building will be laid over to the July 6, 1999, Property Code Enforcement meeting. 14 559 McKnieht Road South 15 Decision: Appeal denied. 16 599 L,aurel Avenue 17 18 Decision: Appeal denied, but extension granted to June 30, 1999. RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 1 I,eonard N. Anderson Doris Wahl for Hawthorn West Condominium Association 1 °I9 - g� 2 � �� Yeas Na s Absent Blakey � Coleman � Harris � Benanav � Reiter � Bosffom � Lantry � � 8 Adopted by Council: Date��'S'� �� 9 ' 10 Adopfion�ed by Council ecretary 11 By: ,�_. � oA 12 Approved by Mayo � ` � � �� 13 By: Requested by Department of: � Form Approved by City Attomey � Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � 2 a9-�� 1/20/99 GREEN SHEET n,o 6226'7 Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 January 27, 1999 TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES nv,a,�r owarae ❑ arc�nouar ❑ a�ra�uc _ ❑ r.wcwaoexeFSOn ❑ nuxo,um�w.cero ❑ WIOR(dlAE96fA1R) ❑ (CLJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) Approving the Januaxy 14, 1949, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the following addresses: 311 Walnut Street, 54 Crocus Place, 500 Como Avenue, 559 McRnight Road South, and 599 Laurel Avenue. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMITTEE CIVIL SERVICE CAMMISSION Hasthis PQ�T�� ever wakecl under a cant(aU tor this depaRmert4 YES NO Fms tlxs v�Nfirm e.er been a ary empbyee9 YES NO Doec this persaJfirm poseess a sldll not normallypossessed by any current city empbyce? YES NO Is this persoNfiim a targeted vendoR YES 'NO olain all ves answeis on seoatate sheet and attach to nreen sheet ( /q� }q ya •a � � ML f� i�vM Ar� VE �-� ��.� • ��ar� � � �w�� AMOUNT OP TRANSACTION S COST/REYR7UE BUD6ETED (CIRCLE ON� YES NO ACTNRY NUMBER • ��a �� r��1 �st�y �st ~� 3�-q69'b tis W �`.""" " � P"",1 �'Yl,"' S S l oZ Gelvw� �x�c�vrn,r��m � e,�,, � s� ��1 Q`t-8'a No�.e vU r � _ I� 19, i9 � � � �� ,��, � C� c�a,w�,um m� , . � � � ` c� �.P,ti.el��,,�,,,,�� ai ��` '� �.� �c��`o.� :� m� � Q �� ✓�� Q 31 �,U�;�n�� 30 �✓�'me Xo � l . Q 54 Cn� �— S t�.e.tino ,7Gs �� r� n.�rn.��N ��) Q 50� c.�,,� � �d �� q� .� � � (� ss`� s � �v��t � No 7t�:�.e �n�� . � � . � �� -�� / � r N r � � � I / � / ��i � � �� 1 � �i� �� ►I ; 1 I / I I � ♦ / 1 ' � � � i � � 1 � � � �, , � � I ',� � • ' ' 1 t ' 1 i.. � .I � • ,' �'e�`��c� �° `�'� '�`�' � �''�"�' � � c�M�,,�„�,� � �. � � � � ��,.�U�„ �;ouncii Research Center �S. C,r� :�A o, �2/�n� � -�/v+�in� aQ �p�,�Q � _, .. ` � s ;�'£g V � � <ts-t �a� stooe �� . • j0 S310N � v3av �HlIM3�N3tl3�N0� � � O1 � WOtlj lltl� � 31tl� �ON 3llj �3ki ooee-szz (aial �oxa�t� IOT49 VSOS3NNII�H "IRPd'SS oxtazins xniva -�v�xoatvx J.sxna oozz xouvcoossa -rvxoissaaova NT�J�IOInI ai�ZV SzJtJI�ig • S30Y3.�Ib MB"I • • 99-8'2- City o£ St. Paul Office of the City Attorney Mr. George T. Stephenson Assistant City Attorney Room 400, City Hall 15 West Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN. 55102 January 20, 1999 Councii Research Center �`'.°: � � i?�9 — ��z =-�,d. c^.�° "..; Re: Leonard Anderson 559 South McKnight Road St. Paul, MN. 55119 Dear Mr. Stephenson: Please be advised that I discharged my attorney, James G. Roban, in regard to this matter of the condition of my property. Effective immediately as of noon on this date of January 20, 1999, I would like to resolve the few minor issues with Mr. Votel, the City of St. Paul and myself. If you can answer the following questions in writing, we will have a basis for a complete solution, and a win-win solution to the current situation. This solution will allow the loan from the City of St. Paul Loan Fund to Rehab my property, thus settling forever the lonq standing problem and everyone will win. This morning, Mr. Votel said he would address the code violations at my neiqhbor's property thereby eliminating my long term dispute that he was treating me unfairly by not fairly enforcing the code for the entire neighborhood. This new fair treatment plan will finally allow you, Mr. Votel, and myself to mediate a solution that will restore peace and goodwill. Mr. Stephenson, I really appreciate all the efforts you have made to resolve this matter. I look forward to helping resolve this matter, and you will receive my full cooperation. Please extend my apologies to Mr. Votel. The followinq are some solutions to the current situation in regard to my property: 1) I will empty the dumpster when the rehab of my property is complete. 2} I will license my Bus/RV or park it in the garage. 3) The lumber and Spancrete will be used in the Rehab project on my property. 4) The wood pile which now meets the code will be smaller after the heating season. , � q9-8�- 5) Mr. Votel said he was OK with the snow plow off road truck (tractor) since zoning said the snow-plow truck was OK. (MN. Stat. 165.011 exempts a license for off-road equipment.) 6) The licensed Red Trailer will have the Black MTC letters painted red to match the trailer body. 7) Ramsey Action Programs will arrange to start work on my home the week of January 25, 1999. 8) The Ford Truck with license number 923-JMX, will be removed by the owner (Not Anderson), when neighbor's Jeep License Number: MLK 639 is removed. This will ensure fairness. 9) The relevant above work will be done when the snow melts (Spring). 10) I request your written answers to the attached FAX questions One through £our in regard to the housing code and my property. I look forward to pour written reply to this proposed solution to the situation. Yours truly, Leonard N. Anderson LNA. Encl. Council Research Center �_�! � �? �acg - Qs.��c� � \ \`�C�t' l�"� �� NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODb EN�ORCEMEI3T MEETING January 19, 1999 Room 330, Ciry Hall Gerry Strathman, I,egislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Phiilip Owens, Fire Prevention; Don Stein, Public Works; Michael Urmann, Fire Prevention; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. 311 Walnut Street Pat Gavin, owner, appeazed and stated he is doing wiring, plumbing, and throwing away items. It will take quite a while to get the plumbing done and to take out the service wiring. The electrical inspection will be done when he is ready. He has not had communication with Maynazd Vinge, the inspector. Gerry Strathman asked when there will be an electrical inspection. Pat Gavin responded the electrical will be finished within a month. Gerry Strathman laid over this matter to the February 16, 1999, Property Code Enforcement Meeting citing he is concerned about the electrical. Once the electrical is done, the owner can be given additional time to take caze of the other items. 54 Crocus Place (Rescheduled from i-5-99) Anne Marie Solberg, Oppenheimer, Wolff, and Donnelly LLP, and Beverly Abuzzahab, owner, appeared. Ms. Solberg stated they are requesung a variance or an extension of time for compliance with L.egislative Code 41.03, disconnecting rainleaders from the sanitary sewer. This property's rainleader was disconnected in the 1980's when the first order came out. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Abuzzahab experienced problems with the water. Ms. Abuzzahab has made costly changes to the home, and suffered damage to her home as a result. Extensions have been added to the rainleaders. She has dug azound her house. A crack was in the foundation as a result of the land retaining water; the crack was sealed. The surrounding yard has been graded. Gravel and plastic were laid down. Commercial gutters have been installed. A structural engineer was consulted who said the conect measures have been taken to deal with the problem. Ms. Abuzzahab continued to experience standing water problems in the basement. The rainleaders were reconnected in 1995. Ms. Abuzzahab stated all of the plaster washed away in one part of the basement after the disconnect. She has had no problems since it was reconnected. Ms. Solberg went on to say that accarding to a map from the Ciry, when the combined sewer was disconnected, the City did not piace a storm sewer in the Crocus Hill azea. The water has no place to go. As a result, the soil is holding water and pressing on the foundation of Ms. Abuzzahab's house. If she is forced to disconnect the rainleaders, there wiil be major structural �� PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEET'ING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 2 of 8 problems with the property. The home is on the historic register, therefore, any repairs have to be made in a historic nature. Gerry Strathman asked about the suROUnding landscape on the lot. Beverly Abuzzahab responded her house covers most of the lot. In some azeas, the distance between her house and the next door neighbor's house is only three feet. Anne Marie Solberg responded any extensions have to be directed away from their home. There aze extensions running all across the yazd. Gerry Strathman asked how much has been invested to deal with this issue. Beverly Abuzzahab responded initially she spent $1,800 for a section of gutter. Recently more gutters have been installed. Gravel has been purchased. One room had to be replastered. Thousands of dollazs have been spent. Anne Marie 3olberg corrected the amount and stated it has to be tens of thousands of dollars. Don Stein reported the opinion of Public Works is that the rainleader can be disconnected. It may require the filling of some of the azeas where it looks like the ground has settled on the west side of the property. With the proper extensions, it can be disconnected without endangering the home. Beverly Abuzzahab stated Public Works said she did a good job regrading. The biggest problem is on the east side, not the west side. She asked has he visited the property. Mr. Stein responded he saw it two years ago for the original time extension request. Gerry Strathman stated there are no provisions in the legislative code for granting vaziances for the rainleader disconnect requirement. This ordinance was written pursuant to an agreement with the federal government having to do with pollution of the river. The only latitude that exists in the statute is an optlon for granting additional time. In this case, the property owner has made more than a reasonable attempt to comply with the law. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal, however, an extension is granted to February 1, 2004, to bring the property into compliance with the rainleader ordinance. 500 Como Avenue (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) The following people appeared: Paul Zisla, Moss and Barnett; Stu Hillis, North Atlantic Technologies; and Allen Karson, North Atlantic Technologies. Paul Zisla stated they aze appealing the requirement to remove the rust on the roof and exterior of the metal industrial building. There aze four points Mr. Zisla made. 1) The roof may appear unsightly because it is rusting, an issue of weathering. The roof is structurally sound and is not leaking. There is no specific provision that addresses unsightliness. 2) It is expensive to take care of this roof. A cosmetic cleanup would be $60,000 to $100,000. To get something that lasts beyond 3'/z years would cost about $150,000. 3) There aze some inconsistencies in the enforcement of this provision of the code. (Mr. Zisla showed Gerty Strathman three photographs of a building which may be owned by Saint Paul.) 4) This property is part of the Ma�cim Steel �� Z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 3 of 8 azea. The City of Saint Paui and the Port Authority have plans for the azea. Mr. Zisla feels the fate of this building should be addressed before money is spent on the roof. Gerry Strathman asked about the location and purpose of the building. Stu Hillis responded it is at Western and Dale on Como Avenue. These corrugated steel buildings were erected in 1963. The coating has eroded over time. The thicl�ess is the same as when it was made. It is just environmental weathering. North Aflantic Technologies manufactures waste heat recovery systems in two of the buildings. The third building is used for storage; half of the building is used by a machine moving company. Allen Kazson stated John Young from the Port Authority says it is the Port Authority's intention to buy the property. Phillip Owens presented photographs to Gerry Strathman. He stated it is the Fire Department's position that this is a simple maintenance issue. By their own admission, the galvanizing is coming off. The galvanizing is a protective coating for the building just as paint would be. The building has become deteriorated and needs maintenance. The appellants say there may be movement by the Port Authority, but Fire Prevention has no knowledge of it. In regard to painting the office building, the need is ciearly shown in the photographs. The building inspector was lead to believe there was a plan, however, no plan was forthcoming. Paul Zisla responded he is asking for a reasonable time this summer to paint the office building. Everything the inspector said is true regarding that building. As for the plan Mr. Owens mentioned, the inspector may have thought the business was committed to the painting proposal, but the plan was not adopted by the owner. Gerry Strathman granted an extension to June 30, 1999, to make correc6ons on the office building. The metal industrial building will be laid over to the July 6, 1999, Properiy Code Enforcement Meeting. The legislative session will be over by that time; it should be cleaz if this building will be acquired and redeveloped or continued in its current usage. 559 McKnight Road South 7im Roban, attorney for I,eonard L. Anderson, appeared and stated the City is alleging there is junk, metal, wood, and automobiles on the grounds, and the house is in an improper condition. Mr. Roban wrote a letter on January 8 to the City, but never received a reply. The City did send a letter on December 28, 1998, to Mr. Anderson concerning this matter. That is why there was a meeting on January 4 with Chuck Votel to work out the problems. Mr. Anderson is retired. He is handicapped with a heart condition, therefore, it is difficult for him to work on the property. The property has been cleaned up. The basic issue is time. Mr. Anderson is trying to get a Housing and Redevelopment application to get funds to fix up the property. He suffered about $1,000 worth of storm damage last year. It is difficult to see the house because it is set back from McKnight Road. It is lower in the back than from the front because the house is on high ground �� z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEN'I' MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 4 of 8 and the low ground is in the back. The items that aze considered by Code Enforcement to be improper are in the rear of his property and cannot be seen. Leonard Anderson, owner, appeazed and stated the City wants to treat him unfairly. A suit was filed against the City. Mr. Anderson stated he has a medical condition and is disabled, but Chuck Votel has disregarded this. I.eonard Anderson presented photographs to Gerry Strathman and explained them. Mr. Anderson also presented a packet of numbered pages, which he went over individually with Mr. Strathman. The items aze as follows: Item 1 A letter dated February 9, 1996, from Stillwater Medical Group, P.A. explaining L.eonazd Anderson's medical condition. This letter does not have a signature line. Item 2 An unsigned letter dated January 13, 1999, from Morley Frantzick, Mediation Systems, 3375 I.ester Avenue, Hastings. Item 3 A letter dated January 16, 1999, to Mayor Norm Coleman from Calvin Scott, 555 McKnight Road South, who wrote he had no complaint against the condition of the properry at 559 McKnight Road South. Item 4 A petition signed by 12 people desiring a less restrictive legislative code regarding land use and code enforcement. Item 5 Item 6 Item 7 Item 8 Item 9 Item 10 A plat of the property signed by Larry Zangs, License, Inspections, and Environmental Protection (LIEP), dated 7anuary 6, 1998. Copies of four photographs showing 559 McKnight Road South. Copies of two photographs showing two vehicles and a map. Copies of five photographs showing license plates and a copy of one photograph showing a trailer. Copies of photographs showing wood piles. Leonard Anderson stated this pile is four feet high and four feet wide. The first page of a letter dated December 28, 1998, to I.eonard Anderson from the Division of Property Code Enfarcement. Mr. Anderson stated this letter contains numerous errors and falsehoods. (There is no Item 11) Item 12 A memo dated January 13, 1999, from George Stephenson, Assistant City Attorney, to Jim Roban, in which Mr. Stephenson responds to four questions posed to him. Item 13 A fa�ced memo dated January 5, 1999, from Jim Roban to George Stephenson, Larry Zangs, and Wendy Lane (LIEP) asking far written responses to four questions. (Item 12 contains those responses.) Ttem 14 A faaced memo dated January 6, 1999, to Govemor Jesse Ventura from L,eonazd Anderson informing the Governor that Mr. Anderson's home needs to be repaired, the City is prevenung him from living in the home, and help is needed to resolve this problem. Item 15 A letter dated January 8, 1999, from James Roban to Fred Owusu, Office of the City Clerk, infornung Mr. Owusu that Mr. Anderson would like to resolve this problem. �� Z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 5 of 8 Gerry Strathman asked about the status of the loan. I.eonazd Anderson responded the loan was approved. Around Chrisrinas, a snowplow came down the street and knocked the mailboxes down. Mr. Anderson called someone from the rehabilitation fund and was told the mail came back undeliverable and his name was taken off the list. Mr. Anderson's name is now back on the list for another two yeazs. Every time his name gets on top of the list, Chuck Votel comes around. The City throws road blocks in front of Mr. Anderson to prevent him from getting the funds to rehabilitate his property. Item 16 This is page 2 of Item 15. I.eonazd Anderson showed Mr. Strathman blueprints and other information at this point. Item 17 A faxed memo dated January 13, 1999, from I.eonazd Anderson to Steven Trimble, State Representative, and Randy Kelly, State Senator, thanking them for sharing his concern about housing. Item 18 A confirmation of a faY dated 7anuary 15, 1999, from Leonazd Anderson to Chris Dantis and Paul Vielhaber, Ramsey Action Programs, confirming the weatherization of 559 McKnight Road South. Mr. Anderson stated Mr. Dantis and Mr. Votel got into a fight on the property, which Mr. Anderson did not witness. Someone from Code Enforcement told Mr. Dantis that the weatherization of the home could not be done because items put outside the home would be destroyed and thrown away. Mr. Dantis has since talked to a state legislator and now says he will come out and finish insulating the home. Item 19 First page of a faaced memo dated January 15, 1999, to Govemor Jesse Ventura, Steve Trimble, and Randy Kelly from Leonard Anderson requesting they appear at this hearing. Item 20 A cover sheet of a fased message dated January 10, 1997, to Mayor Norm Coleman from Leonard Anderson and Cazol Berg. (The cover sheet indicates a total of 6 pages were sent.) Item 21 The first page of a letter dated December 4, 1997, to Mayor Norm Coleman and Deputy Mayor Susan Kimberly from I,eonazd Anderson. At the top is noted "Second Request Ol/14/99." It is entitied "Uncooperative City Staff, attitudes and policies Chat create homeless people -(myselfl." (This first page indicates there are a total of i l pages.) Mr. Anderson read this letter. Item 22 This is Page 2 of Item 21. Mr. Anderson read this letter. Item 23 A fased message dated August 29, 1997, to Councilmember Gladys Morton and her legislative aide Bob Conner from L,eonard Anderson mazked "Second Request," regarding "Your progress report for assistance at 559 South McKnight Road." (This sheet indicates there were a total of 14 pages.) Item 24 A fased message dated December 9, 1997, to Nancy Anderson, City Council Office Manager, from I.eonard Anderson regarding "City Council appearance - 12/10/97." This sheet asked for a confirmation receipt of this fas and appointment time in writing of the City Council meeting. ��r�z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 6 of 8 Item 25 A memo to the seven council members dated December 10, 1997, regazding "Urgent - time of the essence. I am requesting an emergency City Council appointment for 12/10/97!" Leonard Anderson stated Jim Roban drove to 559 McKnight Road South to show the restraining order against the City to some City workers. The workers left. The City has threatened, harassed, and discriminated against Mr. Anderson. He has an appointment with his legislator tomorrow to have some action done on this. Gerry Strathman asked Chuck Votel to explain what is being done with this property. Mr. Votel reported a notice was sent to I.eonazd Anderson on December 28, 1998, requesting him to do three things. There aze things at the property that create a nuisance and an eyesore, and are in violation of the property maintenance code and the nuisance law. Gerry Strathman asked were these items a violation of the zoning code. Chuck Votel responded they are violations of the housing code. Until 1997, there was a file on this property and court action. A restraining order was issued to prohibit the City from exercising a work order on a summary abatement. These conditions were cleaned up in 1997. That work order and the file was closed out. The condition has reoccurred in 1998 and, as evident in the recent photographs, the property reverted to what it was previously. When a conection notice was issued on December 28, there was a short time line. Part of this cotrection notice read that L,eonard Anderson had been previousiy notified of this issue, and should consider this to be final notice. Mr. Votel attempted to negotiate a time line to clean up the yazd and remove the buses, but Mr. Anderson spends more time arguing than saying what he can and cannot do. L.eonard Anderson stated these photographs are not relevant anymore. Mr. Strathman responded the photographs aze dated December 14, 1998. Gerry Strathman asked what was the purpose of the two buses in the photographs. Chuck Votel responded they are full of materials and used for storage. L.eonard Anderson has made reference to the condition on other properties, however, he does not want the other areas inspected. Inspections are usually due to complaints received. Gerty Strathman asked Leonard Anderson about one of the photographs. Mr. Anderson responded that is a dumpster, which is 1/6 full. It is still there. However, Mr Anderson does not feel the photograph is dated correctly. He talked to Fred Owusu, City Clerk, about this issue. Mr. Owusu informed him if a subpoena is sent, his office will respond to it. When the subpoena came, Mr. Anderson's file disappeazed. It seems the timing is closely choreographed to harass him and avoid the due process of the law. Gerry Strathman asked where did the buses and trucks come from. I,eonard Anderson responded he purchased the bus at an auction and wants to use it to get out of Minnesota. The legislative �� U � PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 7 of 8 code is clear that he can have one vehicle on his properiy as long as there is a gazage, but the vehicle occasionatly comes out of the gazage. Mr. Strathman asked are the buses licensed and driveable. Mr. Anderson's responded one bus is driveable. The other bus is actually a trailer with a hltch and a license plate. Gerry Strathman asked about the dates. Chuck Votel responded he inspected the property on December 14, the orders were issued on December 28, and the photographs were taken December 14. The three items on the December 281ist as follows: 1) Remove lazge piles of tree limbs, boazds, and lumber; 2) Remove buses, van bodies, huck crane, and Ford truck with expired license; 3) Repair the house and garage to a sound condition. The house and garage have incomplete, unfinished and improperly constructed walls, decks, foundation, roof, and trim. The foundation is improperly backfilled. The building is substantially deteriorated and dilapidated. The exterior has materiais which aze not designed to be exposed to the elements directly. Gerry Strathman asked was it Leonazd Anderson's contention that there is no trash, the vehicles are legal and proper, and the house is not dilapidated and deteriarated. Mr. Anderson responded there aze no tree limbs; it should read firewood. One of the buses drives, but it does not have a plate because it is normally in the garage. The yellow truck is an off road piece of equipment akin to a bulldozer, and exempt from licensing. It plows the snow, and Mr. Anderson has a pernut for it. The house needs repair. The actions of Chuck Votel are preventing him from getting a rehabilitation loan. Melvin Jerry, 450 McKnight Road, appeazed and stated I.eonazd Anderson is trying to maintain his property. Mr. Anderson has gotten rid of many items. There is a big improvement. The trailer on the property does not belong to Mr. Anderson. Many items are not visible from the street. Mr. Anderson does good things to help other people. He does have a health condition. Gerry Strathman responded having health problems does not exempt people from the law. Donald Johnson, 559 McKnight Road South, and Jeffrey Crawford, 200 Arch Street East #207, both spoke on behalf of I.eonazd Anderson. They said that Mr. Anderson has put a lot of work into his property. The neighbors aze not complaining. Mr. Strathman responded neighbors probably are complaining, but who they are is not a matter of public record. Leonard Anderson stated he would like some time to get the job done. Gerry Strathman stated the photographs dated December 14 clearly show trash and piles of lumber lying around the property. Mr. Strathman does not believe the vehicles aze properly licensed ar stored. By all accounts, this house is in a serious state of disrepair. Even the plans presented by Mr. Anderson show extensive repairs that need to be done on this home which he has not done because he was unable to get the loan. James Roban stated the matter could be resolved if Leonard Anderson was granted extra time on this matter given the weather, conditions, and his health. Gerry Strathman responded if that were q� �Z PROPERTY CODE EI�SFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 8 of 8 the only matter, the time issue could be worked out. The position Mr. Anderson has taken is that the orders aze incorrect and invalid, but not that he needs more time. Gerry Strathman denied the appeai. 599 Laurel Avenue I.eslie Goranson, Treasurer of the Hawthorn West Condominium Association, appeazed and stated she is appealing Items 1, 4, and 5 on the deficiency list. She spoke to Michael Urmann, and they have agreed there would not be a reason to enfarce Items 4 and 5 because of an ordinance passed a week ago. Everything else on the deficiency list, except for Item l, has been addressed. Item 1 is to scrape and refinish exterior siding and associated woodword and trim where it is peeling. Ms. Goranson looked up legislative code 34.09, which Item 1 refers to. This building has nothing to do with cracked or peeling paint that is exposed, lead based paint, or an exterior situation that is admitting dampness to the interior or the shucture. The building has been repainted twice. The records show it was sandblasted in 1990 prior to be repainted. Also, the only dampness or exterior damage concerns have been addressed. There was a full replacement of the roof. This is a six unit owner occupied building. (Mr. Goranson showed Gerry Strathman photographs of the property.) Gerry Strathman asked what did the inspector Mike Ricketson see that made him think the exterior needed refinishing. L.eslie Goranson responded there is some exterior peeling of some paint. Michael Urmann reported he saw the properiy today. The exterior surfaces are wood frame and are required to be sealed to protect it from decay as required under city ordinance. The siding is wood and the trim aronnd the windows is wood. It will be in bad shape by summertime. Section 34.09(1)c refers to the protection of exterior wood frames. Gerry Strathman asked when the building will be redone. I.eslie Goranson responded the gazage has been discussed. It will be done this summer. Two yeazs ago when the roof was replaced, the association's reserves were exhausted. 'The association is trying to find a loan. A$40,000 painting job is not sometY�ing the association could do this yeaz. With the proper planning, it could be addressed in the following year. Gerry 5trathman denied the appeal, but a time extension was granted to June 30, 1999. The meeting was adjoumed at 3:42 p.m. rrn Council File # �� - g eZ ORIGINAL Presented Referred To Green Sheet # 62267 Committee Date 1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paui hereby certifies and approves the January 19, 2 1999, decision of the I.egislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the following 3 addresses: 4 5 6 7 Property Ap ealed Ap�ellant 311 Walnut Street (Laid over from 12-15-98) Pat Gavin Decision: I,aid Over to the Februazy 16, 1999, Properiy Code Enforcement Meeting. 8 54 Crocus Place (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) Anne Marie Solberg for Beverly Abuzzahab. 9 Decision: An extension is granted to February 1, 2004, to bring the property into compliance with the rainleader 10 ordinance. 11 500 Como Avenue (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) Paui Zisla for WDH Investments Co. 12 Decision: Bxtension granted to June 30, 1999, to make coirections on the office building. The metal industrial 13 building will be laid over to the July 6, 1999, Property Code Enforcement meeting. 14 559 McKnieht Road South 15 Decision: Appeal denied. 16 599 L,aurel Avenue 17 18 Decision: Appeal denied, but extension granted to June 30, 1999. RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 1 I,eonard N. Anderson Doris Wahl for Hawthorn West Condominium Association 1 °I9 - g� 2 � �� Yeas Na s Absent Blakey � Coleman � Harris � Benanav � Reiter � Bosffom � Lantry � � 8 Adopted by Council: Date��'S'� �� 9 ' 10 Adopfion�ed by Council ecretary 11 By: ,�_. � oA 12 Approved by Mayo � ` � � �� 13 By: Requested by Department of: � Form Approved by City Attomey � Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � 2 a9-�� 1/20/99 GREEN SHEET n,o 6226'7 Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 January 27, 1999 TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES nv,a,�r owarae ❑ arc�nouar ❑ a�ra�uc _ ❑ r.wcwaoexeFSOn ❑ nuxo,um�w.cero ❑ WIOR(dlAE96fA1R) ❑ (CLJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) Approving the Januaxy 14, 1949, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the following addresses: 311 Walnut Street, 54 Crocus Place, 500 Como Avenue, 559 McRnight Road South, and 599 Laurel Avenue. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMITTEE CIVIL SERVICE CAMMISSION Hasthis PQ�T�� ever wakecl under a cant(aU tor this depaRmert4 YES NO Fms tlxs v�Nfirm e.er been a ary empbyee9 YES NO Doec this persaJfirm poseess a sldll not normallypossessed by any current city empbyce? YES NO Is this persoNfiim a targeted vendoR YES 'NO olain all ves answeis on seoatate sheet and attach to nreen sheet ( /q� }q ya •a � � ML f� i�vM Ar� VE �-� ��.� • ��ar� � � �w�� AMOUNT OP TRANSACTION S COST/REYR7UE BUD6ETED (CIRCLE ON� YES NO ACTNRY NUMBER • ��a �� r��1 �st�y �st ~� 3�-q69'b tis W �`.""" " � P"",1 �'Yl,"' S S l oZ Gelvw� �x�c�vrn,r��m � e,�,, � s� ��1 Q`t-8'a No�.e vU r � _ I� 19, i9 � � � �� ,��, � C� c�a,w�,um m� , . � � � ` c� �.P,ti.el��,,�,,,,�� ai ��` '� �.� �c��`o.� :� m� � Q �� ✓�� Q 31 �,U�;�n�� 30 �✓�'me Xo � l . Q 54 Cn� �— S t�.e.tino ,7Gs �� r� n.�rn.��N ��) Q 50� c.�,,� � �d �� q� .� � � (� ss`� s � �v��t � No 7t�:�.e �n�� . � � . � �� -�� / � r N r � � � I / � / ��i � � �� 1 � �i� �� ►I ; 1 I / I I � ♦ / 1 ' � � � i � � 1 � � � �, , � � I ',� � • ' ' 1 t ' 1 i.. � .I � • ,' �'e�`��c� �° `�'� '�`�' � �''�"�' � � c�M�,,�„�,� � �. � � � � ��,.�U�„ �;ouncii Research Center �S. C,r� :�A o, �2/�n� � -�/v+�in� aQ �p�,�Q � _, .. ` � s ;�'£g V � � <ts-t �a� stooe �� . • j0 S310N � v3av �HlIM3�N3tl3�N0� � � O1 � WOtlj lltl� � 31tl� �ON 3llj �3ki ooee-szz (aial �oxa�t� IOT49 VSOS3NNII�H "IRPd'SS oxtazins xniva -�v�xoatvx J.sxna oozz xouvcoossa -rvxoissaaova NT�J�IOInI ai�ZV SzJtJI�ig • S30Y3.�Ib MB"I • • 99-8'2- City o£ St. Paul Office of the City Attorney Mr. George T. Stephenson Assistant City Attorney Room 400, City Hall 15 West Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN. 55102 January 20, 1999 Councii Research Center �`'.°: � � i?�9 — ��z =-�,d. c^.�° "..; Re: Leonard Anderson 559 South McKnight Road St. Paul, MN. 55119 Dear Mr. Stephenson: Please be advised that I discharged my attorney, James G. Roban, in regard to this matter of the condition of my property. Effective immediately as of noon on this date of January 20, 1999, I would like to resolve the few minor issues with Mr. Votel, the City of St. Paul and myself. If you can answer the following questions in writing, we will have a basis for a complete solution, and a win-win solution to the current situation. This solution will allow the loan from the City of St. Paul Loan Fund to Rehab my property, thus settling forever the lonq standing problem and everyone will win. This morning, Mr. Votel said he would address the code violations at my neiqhbor's property thereby eliminating my long term dispute that he was treating me unfairly by not fairly enforcing the code for the entire neighborhood. This new fair treatment plan will finally allow you, Mr. Votel, and myself to mediate a solution that will restore peace and goodwill. Mr. Stephenson, I really appreciate all the efforts you have made to resolve this matter. I look forward to helping resolve this matter, and you will receive my full cooperation. Please extend my apologies to Mr. Votel. The followinq are some solutions to the current situation in regard to my property: 1) I will empty the dumpster when the rehab of my property is complete. 2} I will license my Bus/RV or park it in the garage. 3) The lumber and Spancrete will be used in the Rehab project on my property. 4) The wood pile which now meets the code will be smaller after the heating season. , � q9-8�- 5) Mr. Votel said he was OK with the snow plow off road truck (tractor) since zoning said the snow-plow truck was OK. (MN. Stat. 165.011 exempts a license for off-road equipment.) 6) The licensed Red Trailer will have the Black MTC letters painted red to match the trailer body. 7) Ramsey Action Programs will arrange to start work on my home the week of January 25, 1999. 8) The Ford Truck with license number 923-JMX, will be removed by the owner (Not Anderson), when neighbor's Jeep License Number: MLK 639 is removed. This will ensure fairness. 9) The relevant above work will be done when the snow melts (Spring). 10) I request your written answers to the attached FAX questions One through £our in regard to the housing code and my property. I look forward to pour written reply to this proposed solution to the situation. Yours truly, Leonard N. Anderson LNA. Encl. Council Research Center �_�! � �? �acg - Qs.��c� � \ \`�C�t' l�"� �� NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODb EN�ORCEMEI3T MEETING January 19, 1999 Room 330, Ciry Hall Gerry Strathman, I,egislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Phiilip Owens, Fire Prevention; Don Stein, Public Works; Michael Urmann, Fire Prevention; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. 311 Walnut Street Pat Gavin, owner, appeazed and stated he is doing wiring, plumbing, and throwing away items. It will take quite a while to get the plumbing done and to take out the service wiring. The electrical inspection will be done when he is ready. He has not had communication with Maynazd Vinge, the inspector. Gerry Strathman asked when there will be an electrical inspection. Pat Gavin responded the electrical will be finished within a month. Gerry Strathman laid over this matter to the February 16, 1999, Property Code Enforcement Meeting citing he is concerned about the electrical. Once the electrical is done, the owner can be given additional time to take caze of the other items. 54 Crocus Place (Rescheduled from i-5-99) Anne Marie Solberg, Oppenheimer, Wolff, and Donnelly LLP, and Beverly Abuzzahab, owner, appeared. Ms. Solberg stated they are requesung a variance or an extension of time for compliance with L.egislative Code 41.03, disconnecting rainleaders from the sanitary sewer. This property's rainleader was disconnected in the 1980's when the first order came out. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Abuzzahab experienced problems with the water. Ms. Abuzzahab has made costly changes to the home, and suffered damage to her home as a result. Extensions have been added to the rainleaders. She has dug azound her house. A crack was in the foundation as a result of the land retaining water; the crack was sealed. The surrounding yard has been graded. Gravel and plastic were laid down. Commercial gutters have been installed. A structural engineer was consulted who said the conect measures have been taken to deal with the problem. Ms. Abuzzahab continued to experience standing water problems in the basement. The rainleaders were reconnected in 1995. Ms. Abuzzahab stated all of the plaster washed away in one part of the basement after the disconnect. She has had no problems since it was reconnected. Ms. Solberg went on to say that accarding to a map from the Ciry, when the combined sewer was disconnected, the City did not piace a storm sewer in the Crocus Hill azea. The water has no place to go. As a result, the soil is holding water and pressing on the foundation of Ms. Abuzzahab's house. If she is forced to disconnect the rainleaders, there wiil be major structural �� PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEET'ING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 2 of 8 problems with the property. The home is on the historic register, therefore, any repairs have to be made in a historic nature. Gerry Strathman asked about the suROUnding landscape on the lot. Beverly Abuzzahab responded her house covers most of the lot. In some azeas, the distance between her house and the next door neighbor's house is only three feet. Anne Marie Solberg responded any extensions have to be directed away from their home. There aze extensions running all across the yazd. Gerry Strathman asked how much has been invested to deal with this issue. Beverly Abuzzahab responded initially she spent $1,800 for a section of gutter. Recently more gutters have been installed. Gravel has been purchased. One room had to be replastered. Thousands of dollazs have been spent. Anne Marie 3olberg corrected the amount and stated it has to be tens of thousands of dollars. Don Stein reported the opinion of Public Works is that the rainleader can be disconnected. It may require the filling of some of the azeas where it looks like the ground has settled on the west side of the property. With the proper extensions, it can be disconnected without endangering the home. Beverly Abuzzahab stated Public Works said she did a good job regrading. The biggest problem is on the east side, not the west side. She asked has he visited the property. Mr. Stein responded he saw it two years ago for the original time extension request. Gerry Strathman stated there are no provisions in the legislative code for granting vaziances for the rainleader disconnect requirement. This ordinance was written pursuant to an agreement with the federal government having to do with pollution of the river. The only latitude that exists in the statute is an optlon for granting additional time. In this case, the property owner has made more than a reasonable attempt to comply with the law. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal, however, an extension is granted to February 1, 2004, to bring the property into compliance with the rainleader ordinance. 500 Como Avenue (Rescheduled from 1-5-99) The following people appeared: Paul Zisla, Moss and Barnett; Stu Hillis, North Atlantic Technologies; and Allen Karson, North Atlantic Technologies. Paul Zisla stated they aze appealing the requirement to remove the rust on the roof and exterior of the metal industrial building. There aze four points Mr. Zisla made. 1) The roof may appear unsightly because it is rusting, an issue of weathering. The roof is structurally sound and is not leaking. There is no specific provision that addresses unsightliness. 2) It is expensive to take care of this roof. A cosmetic cleanup would be $60,000 to $100,000. To get something that lasts beyond 3'/z years would cost about $150,000. 3) There aze some inconsistencies in the enforcement of this provision of the code. (Mr. Zisla showed Gerty Strathman three photographs of a building which may be owned by Saint Paul.) 4) This property is part of the Ma�cim Steel �� Z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 3 of 8 azea. The City of Saint Paui and the Port Authority have plans for the azea. Mr. Zisla feels the fate of this building should be addressed before money is spent on the roof. Gerry Strathman asked about the location and purpose of the building. Stu Hillis responded it is at Western and Dale on Como Avenue. These corrugated steel buildings were erected in 1963. The coating has eroded over time. The thicl�ess is the same as when it was made. It is just environmental weathering. North Aflantic Technologies manufactures waste heat recovery systems in two of the buildings. The third building is used for storage; half of the building is used by a machine moving company. Allen Kazson stated John Young from the Port Authority says it is the Port Authority's intention to buy the property. Phillip Owens presented photographs to Gerry Strathman. He stated it is the Fire Department's position that this is a simple maintenance issue. By their own admission, the galvanizing is coming off. The galvanizing is a protective coating for the building just as paint would be. The building has become deteriorated and needs maintenance. The appellants say there may be movement by the Port Authority, but Fire Prevention has no knowledge of it. In regard to painting the office building, the need is ciearly shown in the photographs. The building inspector was lead to believe there was a plan, however, no plan was forthcoming. Paul Zisla responded he is asking for a reasonable time this summer to paint the office building. Everything the inspector said is true regarding that building. As for the plan Mr. Owens mentioned, the inspector may have thought the business was committed to the painting proposal, but the plan was not adopted by the owner. Gerry Strathman granted an extension to June 30, 1999, to make correc6ons on the office building. The metal industrial building will be laid over to the July 6, 1999, Properiy Code Enforcement Meeting. The legislative session will be over by that time; it should be cleaz if this building will be acquired and redeveloped or continued in its current usage. 559 McKnight Road South 7im Roban, attorney for I,eonard L. Anderson, appeared and stated the City is alleging there is junk, metal, wood, and automobiles on the grounds, and the house is in an improper condition. Mr. Roban wrote a letter on January 8 to the City, but never received a reply. The City did send a letter on December 28, 1998, to Mr. Anderson concerning this matter. That is why there was a meeting on January 4 with Chuck Votel to work out the problems. Mr. Anderson is retired. He is handicapped with a heart condition, therefore, it is difficult for him to work on the property. The property has been cleaned up. The basic issue is time. Mr. Anderson is trying to get a Housing and Redevelopment application to get funds to fix up the property. He suffered about $1,000 worth of storm damage last year. It is difficult to see the house because it is set back from McKnight Road. It is lower in the back than from the front because the house is on high ground �� z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEN'I' MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 4 of 8 and the low ground is in the back. The items that aze considered by Code Enforcement to be improper are in the rear of his property and cannot be seen. Leonard Anderson, owner, appeazed and stated the City wants to treat him unfairly. A suit was filed against the City. Mr. Anderson stated he has a medical condition and is disabled, but Chuck Votel has disregarded this. I.eonard Anderson presented photographs to Gerry Strathman and explained them. Mr. Anderson also presented a packet of numbered pages, which he went over individually with Mr. Strathman. The items aze as follows: Item 1 A letter dated February 9, 1996, from Stillwater Medical Group, P.A. explaining L.eonazd Anderson's medical condition. This letter does not have a signature line. Item 2 An unsigned letter dated January 13, 1999, from Morley Frantzick, Mediation Systems, 3375 I.ester Avenue, Hastings. Item 3 A letter dated January 16, 1999, to Mayor Norm Coleman from Calvin Scott, 555 McKnight Road South, who wrote he had no complaint against the condition of the properry at 559 McKnight Road South. Item 4 A petition signed by 12 people desiring a less restrictive legislative code regarding land use and code enforcement. Item 5 Item 6 Item 7 Item 8 Item 9 Item 10 A plat of the property signed by Larry Zangs, License, Inspections, and Environmental Protection (LIEP), dated 7anuary 6, 1998. Copies of four photographs showing 559 McKnight Road South. Copies of two photographs showing two vehicles and a map. Copies of five photographs showing license plates and a copy of one photograph showing a trailer. Copies of photographs showing wood piles. Leonard Anderson stated this pile is four feet high and four feet wide. The first page of a letter dated December 28, 1998, to I.eonard Anderson from the Division of Property Code Enfarcement. Mr. Anderson stated this letter contains numerous errors and falsehoods. (There is no Item 11) Item 12 A memo dated January 13, 1999, from George Stephenson, Assistant City Attorney, to Jim Roban, in which Mr. Stephenson responds to four questions posed to him. Item 13 A fa�ced memo dated January 5, 1999, from Jim Roban to George Stephenson, Larry Zangs, and Wendy Lane (LIEP) asking far written responses to four questions. (Item 12 contains those responses.) Ttem 14 A faaced memo dated January 6, 1999, to Govemor Jesse Ventura from L,eonazd Anderson informing the Governor that Mr. Anderson's home needs to be repaired, the City is prevenung him from living in the home, and help is needed to resolve this problem. Item 15 A letter dated January 8, 1999, from James Roban to Fred Owusu, Office of the City Clerk, infornung Mr. Owusu that Mr. Anderson would like to resolve this problem. �� Z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 5 of 8 Gerry Strathman asked about the status of the loan. I.eonazd Anderson responded the loan was approved. Around Chrisrinas, a snowplow came down the street and knocked the mailboxes down. Mr. Anderson called someone from the rehabilitation fund and was told the mail came back undeliverable and his name was taken off the list. Mr. Anderson's name is now back on the list for another two yeazs. Every time his name gets on top of the list, Chuck Votel comes around. The City throws road blocks in front of Mr. Anderson to prevent him from getting the funds to rehabilitate his property. Item 16 This is page 2 of Item 15. I.eonazd Anderson showed Mr. Strathman blueprints and other information at this point. Item 17 A faxed memo dated January 13, 1999, from I.eonazd Anderson to Steven Trimble, State Representative, and Randy Kelly, State Senator, thanking them for sharing his concern about housing. Item 18 A confirmation of a faY dated 7anuary 15, 1999, from Leonazd Anderson to Chris Dantis and Paul Vielhaber, Ramsey Action Programs, confirming the weatherization of 559 McKnight Road South. Mr. Anderson stated Mr. Dantis and Mr. Votel got into a fight on the property, which Mr. Anderson did not witness. Someone from Code Enforcement told Mr. Dantis that the weatherization of the home could not be done because items put outside the home would be destroyed and thrown away. Mr. Dantis has since talked to a state legislator and now says he will come out and finish insulating the home. Item 19 First page of a faaced memo dated January 15, 1999, to Govemor Jesse Ventura, Steve Trimble, and Randy Kelly from Leonard Anderson requesting they appear at this hearing. Item 20 A cover sheet of a fased message dated January 10, 1997, to Mayor Norm Coleman from Leonard Anderson and Cazol Berg. (The cover sheet indicates a total of 6 pages were sent.) Item 21 The first page of a letter dated December 4, 1997, to Mayor Norm Coleman and Deputy Mayor Susan Kimberly from I,eonazd Anderson. At the top is noted "Second Request Ol/14/99." It is entitied "Uncooperative City Staff, attitudes and policies Chat create homeless people -(myselfl." (This first page indicates there are a total of i l pages.) Mr. Anderson read this letter. Item 22 This is Page 2 of Item 21. Mr. Anderson read this letter. Item 23 A fased message dated August 29, 1997, to Councilmember Gladys Morton and her legislative aide Bob Conner from L,eonard Anderson mazked "Second Request," regarding "Your progress report for assistance at 559 South McKnight Road." (This sheet indicates there were a total of 14 pages.) Item 24 A fased message dated December 9, 1997, to Nancy Anderson, City Council Office Manager, from I.eonard Anderson regarding "City Council appearance - 12/10/97." This sheet asked for a confirmation receipt of this fas and appointment time in writing of the City Council meeting. ��r�z PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 6 of 8 Item 25 A memo to the seven council members dated December 10, 1997, regazding "Urgent - time of the essence. I am requesting an emergency City Council appointment for 12/10/97!" Leonard Anderson stated Jim Roban drove to 559 McKnight Road South to show the restraining order against the City to some City workers. The workers left. The City has threatened, harassed, and discriminated against Mr. Anderson. He has an appointment with his legislator tomorrow to have some action done on this. Gerry Strathman asked Chuck Votel to explain what is being done with this property. Mr. Votel reported a notice was sent to I.eonazd Anderson on December 28, 1998, requesting him to do three things. There aze things at the property that create a nuisance and an eyesore, and are in violation of the property maintenance code and the nuisance law. Gerry Strathman asked were these items a violation of the zoning code. Chuck Votel responded they are violations of the housing code. Until 1997, there was a file on this property and court action. A restraining order was issued to prohibit the City from exercising a work order on a summary abatement. These conditions were cleaned up in 1997. That work order and the file was closed out. The condition has reoccurred in 1998 and, as evident in the recent photographs, the property reverted to what it was previously. When a conection notice was issued on December 28, there was a short time line. Part of this cotrection notice read that L,eonard Anderson had been previousiy notified of this issue, and should consider this to be final notice. Mr. Votel attempted to negotiate a time line to clean up the yazd and remove the buses, but Mr. Anderson spends more time arguing than saying what he can and cannot do. L.eonard Anderson stated these photographs are not relevant anymore. Mr. Strathman responded the photographs aze dated December 14, 1998. Gerry Strathman asked what was the purpose of the two buses in the photographs. Chuck Votel responded they are full of materials and used for storage. L.eonard Anderson has made reference to the condition on other properties, however, he does not want the other areas inspected. Inspections are usually due to complaints received. Gerty Strathman asked Leonard Anderson about one of the photographs. Mr. Anderson responded that is a dumpster, which is 1/6 full. It is still there. However, Mr Anderson does not feel the photograph is dated correctly. He talked to Fred Owusu, City Clerk, about this issue. Mr. Owusu informed him if a subpoena is sent, his office will respond to it. When the subpoena came, Mr. Anderson's file disappeazed. It seems the timing is closely choreographed to harass him and avoid the due process of the law. Gerry Strathman asked where did the buses and trucks come from. I,eonard Anderson responded he purchased the bus at an auction and wants to use it to get out of Minnesota. The legislative �� U � PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 7 of 8 code is clear that he can have one vehicle on his properiy as long as there is a gazage, but the vehicle occasionatly comes out of the gazage. Mr. Strathman asked are the buses licensed and driveable. Mr. Anderson's responded one bus is driveable. The other bus is actually a trailer with a hltch and a license plate. Gerry Strathman asked about the dates. Chuck Votel responded he inspected the property on December 14, the orders were issued on December 28, and the photographs were taken December 14. The three items on the December 281ist as follows: 1) Remove lazge piles of tree limbs, boazds, and lumber; 2) Remove buses, van bodies, huck crane, and Ford truck with expired license; 3) Repair the house and garage to a sound condition. The house and garage have incomplete, unfinished and improperly constructed walls, decks, foundation, roof, and trim. The foundation is improperly backfilled. The building is substantially deteriorated and dilapidated. The exterior has materiais which aze not designed to be exposed to the elements directly. Gerry Strathman asked was it Leonazd Anderson's contention that there is no trash, the vehicles are legal and proper, and the house is not dilapidated and deteriarated. Mr. Anderson responded there aze no tree limbs; it should read firewood. One of the buses drives, but it does not have a plate because it is normally in the garage. The yellow truck is an off road piece of equipment akin to a bulldozer, and exempt from licensing. It plows the snow, and Mr. Anderson has a pernut for it. The house needs repair. The actions of Chuck Votel are preventing him from getting a rehabilitation loan. Melvin Jerry, 450 McKnight Road, appeazed and stated I.eonazd Anderson is trying to maintain his property. Mr. Anderson has gotten rid of many items. There is a big improvement. The trailer on the property does not belong to Mr. Anderson. Many items are not visible from the street. Mr. Anderson does good things to help other people. He does have a health condition. Gerry Strathman responded having health problems does not exempt people from the law. Donald Johnson, 559 McKnight Road South, and Jeffrey Crawford, 200 Arch Street East #207, both spoke on behalf of I.eonazd Anderson. They said that Mr. Anderson has put a lot of work into his property. The neighbors aze not complaining. Mr. Strathman responded neighbors probably are complaining, but who they are is not a matter of public record. Leonard Anderson stated he would like some time to get the job done. Gerry Strathman stated the photographs dated December 14 clearly show trash and piles of lumber lying around the property. Mr. Strathman does not believe the vehicles aze properly licensed ar stored. By all accounts, this house is in a serious state of disrepair. Even the plans presented by Mr. Anderson show extensive repairs that need to be done on this home which he has not done because he was unable to get the loan. James Roban stated the matter could be resolved if Leonard Anderson was granted extra time on this matter given the weather, conditions, and his health. Gerry Strathman responded if that were q� �Z PROPERTY CODE EI�SFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES OF 1-19-99 Page 8 of 8 the only matter, the time issue could be worked out. The position Mr. Anderson has taken is that the orders aze incorrect and invalid, but not that he needs more time. Gerry Strathman denied the appeai. 599 Laurel Avenue I.eslie Goranson, Treasurer of the Hawthorn West Condominium Association, appeazed and stated she is appealing Items 1, 4, and 5 on the deficiency list. She spoke to Michael Urmann, and they have agreed there would not be a reason to enfarce Items 4 and 5 because of an ordinance passed a week ago. Everything else on the deficiency list, except for Item l, has been addressed. Item 1 is to scrape and refinish exterior siding and associated woodword and trim where it is peeling. Ms. Goranson looked up legislative code 34.09, which Item 1 refers to. This building has nothing to do with cracked or peeling paint that is exposed, lead based paint, or an exterior situation that is admitting dampness to the interior or the shucture. The building has been repainted twice. The records show it was sandblasted in 1990 prior to be repainted. Also, the only dampness or exterior damage concerns have been addressed. There was a full replacement of the roof. This is a six unit owner occupied building. (Mr. Goranson showed Gerry Strathman photographs of the property.) Gerry Strathman asked what did the inspector Mike Ricketson see that made him think the exterior needed refinishing. L.eslie Goranson responded there is some exterior peeling of some paint. Michael Urmann reported he saw the properiy today. The exterior surfaces are wood frame and are required to be sealed to protect it from decay as required under city ordinance. The siding is wood and the trim aronnd the windows is wood. It will be in bad shape by summertime. Section 34.09(1)c refers to the protection of exterior wood frames. Gerry Strathman asked when the building will be redone. I.eslie Goranson responded the gazage has been discussed. It will be done this summer. Two yeazs ago when the roof was replaced, the association's reserves were exhausted. 'The association is trying to find a loan. A$40,000 painting job is not sometY�ing the association could do this yeaz. With the proper planning, it could be addressed in the following year. Gerry 5trathman denied the appeal, but a time extension was granted to June 30, 1999. The meeting was adjoumed at 3:42 p.m. rrn