99-915�R�GINAL
Council FIle # -� � S
Green Sheet # G t�taq
RESOLUTION
CITY
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
3y
Presented By
Referred To
Committee: Date
1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City
2 Council to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or
3 wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood frame dwelling located on properiy hereinafter referred to as
4 the "Subject Property" and commonly lrnown as 805 Agate Street. This property is legally described as
5 follows, to wit:
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The South 75 feet of Lot 1, Block 4, Edmund Rice's Second Addition to the City of St.
Paul.
WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information
obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before Febniary 19, 1998, the following aze the now
Irnown interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: State of MN Trust Exempt, 50 Kellogg
Blvd. W. Ste 620B, St. Paul, MN 55102-1557, Attn: Kris Kujala; Joy Agbara, 8727 Ixnperial Avenue,
Cottage Grove, MN 55016; Thorp Loan & Thrift Co., d/bia: ITT Financial Services, 505 Hwy 169,
Plymouth, MN 55447; Chaka A. Ali, 1200 No. Lilac Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55722; Richard D.
Young, Jr., 613 Marshall Avenue, St. Pau1, MN 55102; Americas Wholesale Lender, 4500 Pazk
Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302-1613; Renee Woodbeck, 150 Crranite Street, St. Paul, MN 55117;
Attorney D.H. Seel, 8609 Lyndale Avenue South, Ste. 314, Bloomington, MN 55420; Michael G. &
Judith L. Kuczaboski, 1365 Woodbridge Street, Little Canada, MN 55117; Curt Potts, Currency
Exchange, 942 Payne Avenae, St. Paul, MN 55101; Attomey Alf E. Sivertson, Re: Mazgaret Bichsel,
1465 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106; Valley Pa�ing Incorp., 8800 13`" Avenue East, Shakopee, MN
55379
WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order identified as an "Order to Abate Nuisance
Building(s)" dated March 31, 1998; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the
structure located on the Subject Pxoperty is a nuisance building(s) puxsuant to Chapter 45; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or
demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by Apri130, 1998; and
WI3EREAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placazd on the Subject Property declaring this
building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and
WHEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been coxrected and Division of Code Enforcement
requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City
Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and
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WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties haue been served notice in accordance with
the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of
the public hearings; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City
Council on Tuesday, 5eptember 7, 1999 to heaz testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony
and evidence, made the recommendafion to approve the request to order the interested or responsible
parties to make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and
welfaze and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure in
accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing
the stnxcture in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of
the structure to be completed wittiin fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, September
22, 1999 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer
was considered by the Council; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above
referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order
concerning the Subject Property at 805 Agate Street:
That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
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That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three
thousand dollars ($3,000.00).
That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the
Subject Property.
That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible
parties to correct the deficiencies ox to demolish and remove the building(s).
That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected.
That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property wluch
declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division
of Code Enforcement, VacantlNuisance Buildings.
Tbat the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution
and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled.
;JRIGI�IAL
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The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order:
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The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and
not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfaze and remove its blighting influence
on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting all deficiencies as prescribed in
the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable
codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing the structure in
accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and
removal ofthe shucture must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date ofthe Council
Hearing.
2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service
Office, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary
to demolish and remove this shucture, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the
Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal
property or f�tures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be
removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this titne period. If all
personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint
Paul sha11 remove and dispose of such property as provided by law.
4. It is fi�rther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties
in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
s :---��� — _ a. . � �-.�_----- --
Approved by May�r:�Date / '���
By:
Citi � Service Office• e Enfo-cement
B • p�'—�
Form Ap ved by City Attorney
By: ��
, .
Adopted by Council: Date '"�`, �o �l�cl°�
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XNJTACT PERSOt4 8 PFIONE
Warren R Bostrom 266-8439 ��
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City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building. The subject property is located at 805 Agate Street.
::,
PLANNING COMMISSION
CIB COMMIITEE
CNIL SERYICE CAMM{SSION
Has this persoMrm e.cr waked under a canUact for this departmeM'7
YES NO
Has thie peraoNfirm ever bren a city empbyee7
YES NO
Does this peisoMrm possess a sldN not iwrmallypossesseU by any curteM cily employee?
YES NO
Is thre persoNfi�m a ferpeted ventloR
YES NO
ilain all ves answeis on se�rate Sheet a� atlach to areen Sheet
INITIATING PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WM, What, When, Whe�e, Why)
This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of
the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement
Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 805 Agate Street by April 30, 1999, and have failed
to comply with those orders.
The City will eliminate a nuisance.
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property,
A nuisance condifion will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community.
OFTRANSACTION S $7,000 - $8,000
souRC� Nuisance Housing Abatement
COST/REVENUE BUD6ETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO
ACTNITYNUMBER 33261
(EJ�WN)
�t�tC� �i�88Cvh Gei1i�I
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CITIZEN SERVICE OFFICE
F�ed Owaau, Ciry Clerk
DIVLSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEIvfENT
Wmsen R Bastrom Proxrmn Mm+aXer
CIT'Y OF SAINT PAIJL Nuisance Building Cade Enfa�Cemen!
Norm Caleman, Mayor ]S W. Kellogg Blvd Rm- I90 Tel: 651-266-8440
SaintPaul,MN55102 Faz:651-266-8426
i
August 13, 1999
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS '
Council President and
Members of the City Council
Citizen Service Office, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the City
Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the
nuisance building(s) located at:
805 Agate Street
The City Council has scheduled the date of these heazings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, September 7,1999
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, September 22,1999
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
State of MN Trust Exempt
50 Kellogg Blvd. W. Ste 620B
St. Paul, MN 55102-1557
Attn: Kris Kujala
Interest
Fee Owner
Joy Agbara
8727 Imperial Avenue
Cottage Crrove MN 55016
Thorp Loan & Thrift Co.
d!b/a: TPT Financial Services
505 I3wy 169
Plymouth,lvIl�T 55447
Chaka.��li-
1200No:°I:ilacDrive
Golden Valley,lyIN 53'72
�� .�Ti�
COGR�� Pta$Q�PG��, ���1�p�
e - + � �s_�r
Mortga�ee/CD Holder
:Judgment G�tar;,,
qq.q►s
805 Agate Street
August 13, 1999
Page 2
Name and Last Known Address
Richard D. Young, Jr.
613 Marshall Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
Americas Wholesale Lender
4500 Park Granada
Calabasas, CA 91302-1613
Renee Woodbeck
150 Granite Street
St. Paul, NiN 55117
Attorney D.H. Seel
8609 Lyndale Avenue South, Ste. 314
Bloomington, MN 55420
Michael G. & Judith L. Kuczaboski
1365 Woodbridge Street
Little Canada, MN 55117
Curt Potts
Cunency Exchange
942 Payne Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55101
Attorney Alf E. Sivertson
Re: Margazet Bichsel
1465 Arcade Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
Valley Paving Incorp.
8800 13�' Avenue East
Shakopee, NIN 55379
Interest
Judgment Creditor
Mortgagee -
Interested Party
Attomey for Mortgagee
Interested Party
Judgment Creditor
Jud�nent Creditor
7ud�ent Creditor
The le�al description ofthis properry is:
The South 75 feet of Lot 1, Block 4, Edmund Rice's Second Addition to�he City _
of St. Paul.
Division nf Code�nfarcementiias declaredfhis 3�'�'ld'na(s)to constitute�'�ncan P"�s.•rte�ined
byl.egislative:Cnde,.Chagfer1}3:�ivYSionaf;Code�nfarcementiiasissnr� =c;;���n�he�n=
known responsii�le �atties fo:eliminate this nuisance condition:by aosectingfhe:i3efrctenn'res°or
h�� ra�ina anA rPm(lvinvthiR'}1t111�II1H(Sl. � �� � - �. ". �
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805 Agate Street
August 13, 1999
Page 3
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the blighting influence of this pLOperty. It is the
recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution
ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely
manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition
and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be
collected in the same manner as tases.
Sincerely,
�
�''�,,.--,.,
Steve Magner
Vacant Buildings Supervisor
Division of Code Enforcement
Citizen Service Office
SM:mI
cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Design
Rachel Young, City Attorneys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant 5ecretary to the Council
Steve Zaccazd, Fire Mazshall
Paul Mordorski, PED-Housing Division
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REPORT
Date: November 2, 1999
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevazd
LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
1. Summary Abatement Order for 838 Blair Avenue; David R Jones.
Gerry Strathman granted the appeal.
2. Summary Abatement: Boarding np of 1834 MarYland Avenne East; Robin Rohr.
(J9906B1)
(Laid over from 10-5-99)
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment.
3. Summary Abatement Order for 254 Banfil Street; Jillayn M. Lindahl.
(Appeal withdrawn; this issue has been resolved per Code Enforcement.)
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 79#i Se�bv
Avenue. If the owner fails to compiy with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 872 Selbv
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
6. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street.
If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove
the building.
(Laid over from 9-7-99)
Gerry Strathivan recommended giving the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on
condition that the owner do the following by noon of November 10, 1999: post a$2,000
bond and have the current code compliance inspection determined to be valid or a new
code compliance inspection completed.
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MINUTES OF TI-IE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Tuesday, November 2, 1999
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 10:06 a.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Steve Magier, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement
Summary Abatement Order for 838 Blair Avenue; David R Jones.
David Jones, owner, appeazed and stated he has a utility trailer pazked behind his shed. There
was a ticket on it the other day, and he called the City Clerk's Office to find out why. He was
told the trailer is on an unapproved parking surface. However, the trailer has been there over 30
years, is well offthe alley, and out of the way. Mr. Jones has the neighbor's permission to have
it hang over their property line. He was informed the intent of the City ordinance was to get �unk
cazs out of people's yard. Mr. Jones feels they are too broadly interpreting the meaning of the
ordinance. I-Ie keeps the trailer in good repair, the wheels aze securely blocked, and he keeps the
weeds mowed. It is not a hazard to anyone.
(Mr. Jones gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
Gerry Strathman stated inspectors usually are responding to a complaint. He asked how this
issue came about. Guy Willits responded this was red tagged by the police departsnent. The
inspector felt obligated to have the trailer removed. There was no complaint received from the
neighbors on this issue.
Gerry Strathman granted the appeal with respect to this particulaz order. If there are complaints
in the future about the trailer and it is tagged again, something may have to be done.
Summary Abatement: Boarding up of 1834 Maryland Avenue East; Robin Rohr.
(J9906B1)
(Laid over from 10-5-99)
Gerry Strathnnan denied the appeal citing no one is here representing the property.
Summary Abatement Order for 254 Ban£il Street; Jiliayn M. Lindahl.
Guy Willits reported the inspector spoke to the property owner and gaue an extension for the
vehicles to be removed. The inspectar is confident the owner will take caze of the problem.
(Appeal withdrawn; this issue has been resolved per Code Enforcement.)
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINU'TES OF 11-2-99
Page 2
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street If the
owner faiLs to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Laid over from 9-7-99) .
Steve Magner reported this properry was laid over by request of Cluis Kujala from the Ramsey
County Tax Forfeited Land Department who said this property was going to be sold at auction.
Two weeks prior to the auction, Joy Agbaza brought her contract current and paid her back ta�ces.
Mr. Magner had two conversations with Ms. Agbaza and informed her she needed to post a bond.
No work has been done to the property. No bond has been posted nor pernuts pulled.
(This properry was discussed further at the end of the meeting.)
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 790 Seibv Avenue. If the
owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
Mr. Magner reported this properry was condemned April 1990 and has been vacant since June
1984. The current owners aze James and Lora Logan. Fourteen summary abatement orders have
been issued to clean the yazd, cut grass, remove snow/ice from sidewalks. Vacant building fees
and real estate taxes are paid. Tasation has placed an estimated market value of $40,000 on the
building. The owner has been working on this building periodically. The last inspection was
October 18, and the owner said at that time he was planning to have everything signed off and
planning to attend today's meeting. Mr. Magner is surprised he is not here. There are a number
of deficiencies on the interior, and the owner is not close to finishing the properry.
Mr. StratUman stated from the photographs, the properry looks like it has new siding and stairs,
but the interior shows signs of deterioration. Mr. Magner stated a bond has been posted and
forfeited. The owner would need to post a new bond and work with the building department to
get his pernuts. The owner told Mr. Magner he is retired and will concentrate on these buildings
(790 Selby and 872 Selby, which will be discussed later.)
Mr. Strathman stated the paperwork shows that the State of Minnesota-T� Exempt is also the
owner. Mr. Magner responded the owner tends to get behind with taa�es, the building reverts to
the State of Minnesota, and then the owner gets caught up.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 872 Selbv Avenue. If the
owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
99-q�s
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUT'ES OF 11-2-99 Page 3
Mr. Magner reported the properry was condemned July 1988 by Code Enforcement and has been
vacant since October 1989. The current properry owners aze State of Minuesota-Trust Exempt
and James and Lora Logan. Twelve summary abatement notices have been issued to remove
refuse, secure the building, and cut grass. The vacant buiiding fees have been paid. Real estate
taaies aze unpaid in the amount of $150639. Tasation has placed an estimated mazket value of
$32,400 on the properiy. As of today, a bond has not been posted. Code Enforcement estimated
the repair cost to be appro�mately $20,000.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval.
805 Agate Street (continued from earlier in the meetin�
Jeremy Monroe, representing Joy Agbara, arrived and stated Ms. Agbara lrnows the property is in
bad shape. She is not a wealthy person, has five children, and has been working hazd to obtain
financing to do repairs. She has a bid for repairs in the neighborhood of $13,000. Ms. Agbaza
has been requested to post a$2,000 bond to secure the work to be done and is raising the money
to do that. She does not have a commitment from a bank.
Mr. Strathman asked is the 4-15-98 code compliance inspecrion still valid. Mr. Magner
responded that would have to be discussed with Don Wagner (of the Office of License,
Inspections, Environmental Protection). There is generally a sunset period of one year.
Gerry Strathman recommended giving the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on
condition that the owner do the following by noon of November 10, 1999: post a$2,000 bond
and have the current code compliance inspection deternuned to be valid or a new code
compliance inspection completed. If the owner has not done these things, then Mr: Strathman
will recommend approval of the resolution.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
0
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REPORT
LEGISLATIVE HEAffiNG
Date: September 7, 1999
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevazd
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
1. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West,
Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Council meeting of 8/4/99)
Gerry Strathxnan recommended reducing the assessment to $85 plus the $40
adininistrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $125.
2. Summary Abatements:
File J9905A Property clean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999
File J9905C Demolition of vacant buildings during June 1999
File J9903V Towing of abandoned vehicles from private property during March
1999
File J9905B Boarding up of vacant building during May 1999
File SSA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs
986 Colne Street (File SSA9901)
Gerry Strathman recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40
administrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606.
995 Kennard Street (File J9905C)
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment.
1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recoa�mended reducing the labor charge by half, making it $315 for
labor, leaving the 6 yard disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total
assessment of $463.
942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended deleting the assessment.
430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
599 Pame Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
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LEGISLA'I'IVE HEARING REPORT OF 9-7-99 Page 2
3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street.
If the owner faiLs to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to
remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative
Hearing.
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1087 Ross
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is
ordered to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval.
rrn
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MINLJTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Tuesday, September 7, 1999
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Roxanne Flink, Real Estate; Bobbi Levitan, Housing Information Office
(HIO); Steve Magner, Code Enforcement; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code
Enforcement
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica
Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Council meeting of 8/4/99)
Jessica Martin stated she received an assessment for boarding up a vacant building; however, the
building was not vacant. There was a burgiary in April, the burglazs came in the back screen, and
lifted the metal grate. The police were called. The company that boazded up the property put
four screws in the screen. Since then, the azea is blocked in with concrete blocks, and that only
cost $450. Ms. Martin questions the charge just to install screws, and why the building owners
were not contacted.
(Ms. Martin showed a photograph to Gerry Strathman.)
Guy Willits reported this was an emergency boazding. The Fire Department called for the
emergency contractor, and this is what the contractor charged. The assessment is for one trip
plus securing the properiy.
(Mr. Willits presented paperwork.)
Mr. Strathman expiained when the police or fire are called to an emergency situation, they are
not allowed to leave the properly unsecured. The City has a contractor that will come when
called, and secure the properry so the police and fire personnel can leave. The terms of the
agreement is that the contractor will be paid $200 per trip. Once the company is at the properiy,
there is an additional fee for securing the property. Mr. Strathman stated these are usually not
contested because they are covered by insurance. Ms. Martin responded this is the second
burglary and the insurance company is not paying anymore.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended the assessment be reduced to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee,
which brings the assessment to a total of $125.
Summary Abatements:
File J9905A Property clean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999
File J9905C Demolifion of vacant buildings daring June 1999
File J9903V Towing of abandoned vehicles from private property during March 1999
File J9905B Boarding up of vacant building during May 1999
File SSA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99
986 Colne Street (File SSA9901)
Page 2
Jody Thraen, owner, appeazed and stated she purchased her home in May 1997. In August, she
discovered she had a rat problem. She had numerous esterminators come to her house to give
her suggestions to cleaz up this problem. She spent hundreds of dollars hying to get rid of the
rats. She called several City offices for help, and they told her to call an exterminator. One
extermivator told her there was a break in the sewer line and to call Public Works. Public Works
gave her the name and number of a person who videotapes sewers. This man videotaped her
sewer line and discovered a break in it. Ms. Thraen had that section replaced. However, rats still
came into her home. Ms. Thraen called her City council member who got her in touch with
Chuck Votet. He cazne out with a sewer contractor, who observed there were rats in the house.
They found there were multiple breaks in the sewer line. The contractor suggested the entire
sewer pipe be replaced from the main a11 the way to the street, and they estimated it would cost
between $3,000 to $4,000. Ms. Thraen agreed to pay that cost. Later, they realized it would go
beyond that price. She had no chance to get second bids.
Gerry Strathman asked was she told what was happening. Mr. Thraen responded the sewer pipe
was further below ground than anticipated. There was a tree in the front yard which prevented
them from getting into the street, the sidewalk had to be dug up. Ms. Thraen wanted to put a halt
on the whole thing because she could not afford it. She was told to finish the project and worry
about paying for it later. It ended up being three times more than it was quoted. Since then,
there is no rat probiem. If this assessment is put on her taxes she will not be able to live there.
Bobbi Levitan, Ramsey County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, appeared and stated
she worked with Ms. Thraen, who was referred by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Ms.
Thraen did everything she was told by professionals, City personnel, contractors, and
externunators. Ms. Levitan was able to secure money for Ms. Thraen to get the camera test
done. It was later found that the camera test was not done correcfly. It should have been done all
the way to the main sewer, but it was videotaped to the first break and stopped.
Chuck Votel reported the contractor estimated the project to be about $3,000. It was Code
EnforcemenYs decision that the entire line needed to be replaced. There was convincing
evidence that rats were not just entering the basement, but also escaping into the neighborhood.
Despite Ms. Thraen's direction that she could not afford the fee, it was Mr. VotePs decision to
complete the repair so it would not be a problem for the neighborhood. The cost went way over
what was estimated. It included restoring the retaining wall, sidewalk, and some other things.
The original estimate was $3,000, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Thraen responded $3,600 has been
paid.
Mr. Strathman recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40 service charge,
which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606. The City policy is clear on this issue: property
owners are responsible for the sewer line on their properiy. In view of the fact that Ms. Thraen
operated in accordance with the advice given by City officials, and given Mr. Votel's
99 �q �
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 3
detennivation that this was a public safety issue, these rivo things can be taken into consideration
in mitigating this case.
995 Kennard Street (File J9905C)
Jean Osteraas, owner, appeazed and stated she purchased this house at the tax forfeit auction in
April. There was a small Quonset (hut) on that properry. She said she would like to keep that
structure, and would clean it out. She planned to build a small manufacturing plant and to use
the Quonset to store materials.
(Ms. Osteraas showed picture of her plans to Mr. Strathman.)
Ms. Osteraas was told by someone from the taY forfeit office that they would see what they could
do with the city regazding demolition of the Quonset. Ms. Osteraas was told that if the County
was not successful and there was demolition, that wouid be announced at the day of the auction.
She went to the office one morning, and there was no mention that the Quonset was demolished
the previous day. All the paperwork reads `pending demoli6on.' The bill for the demolition is
for $3,000. Ms. Osteraas went to City personnel, who said they never had a request from the tax
forfeit office to save that building. The County claims they made a request on the telephone.
The City blames the County and the County blames the City.
Ms. Osteraas stated her letter says it was scheduled for demolition in June, but it was demolished
in April. Guy Willits explained the legislative hearing was on 3-16-99, and the City Council
hearing was on 3-24-99. It would have been scheduled for demolition 18 days later, which
would be April.
Steve Magner reported Ramsey County was aware that the City Council passed a resolution to
demolish the building. The County said they were going to sell it at auction, and they were told
to take court action to stop the City from demolishing the building, but they never did that. This
was a deteriorating Quonset that had been broken into and vandalized over the yeazs. Residents
were upset that the City had not taken action on this matter. Ms. Osteraas responded a neighbor
did not want the kids hauing parties in there, but it could have been secured against that.
Mr. Strathman stated the cost was $2,700 for demolition, which is the contractor fee and asked
what is the $492.48. Mr. Votel responded the administrative fee for process service and title
work.
Roxanne Flink eaplained the property was pending demolition. Any tas forfeited assessment is
paid by the City and not the County. State law says the City pays a11 assessments on tax forfeited
property. The City gets their money after the County takes their money out of handling the sale.
The City is responsible for levied items and nothing else.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment citing he cannot find any fault with
what the City did. If Ramsey County made promises, the owner might have some action against
them.
qg-9�S
LEGISLATTVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99
1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A)
Page 4
Michele Cooper, owner, appeazed and stated she has had major problems keeping up with her
lawn since her caz accident. She has not been working since last May. Last yeaz, there was a
lazge tree limb in her yazd. She came home one day, the lawn was cieaned, and she recently got
an assessment. The City had to undue her fence and there were tire ruts in her yazd. Ms. Cooper
is not contesting that the work was done, but wonders if it really had to cost that much.
Guy Willits reported that orders were sent 5-17-99 to remove debris and cut tall grass with a
comply date of 5-26-99. The work was done on 6-3-99.
(A videotape was shown.)
(A copy of the work order was shown to Mr. Strathxnan.)
The biIl reads 6 yards (dumpster) for $108, 1 hours of grass for $210, and two hours for $420,
stated Mr. Strathman. He asked what the 1%x hours is for. Mr. Votel answered the grass cutting
rate is different than the rubbish removal rate. Ms. Cooper said it does not take 1'h hours to cut
the grass because her lawn is not big.
Gerty Strathman recommended reducing by half the labor charge, making it $315 for labor,
leaving the 6 yard disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total assessment of
$463. He stated he hopes the owner understands that it is better for her to take care of the lawu
than for the City to do it.
942 Carroll Avenue (File 79905A)
Guy Willits reported two inspectors were at this properry, each with a different compliance date.
In between the two compliance dates, the City went out and abated the property. Mr. Willits
asked for it to be deleted.
Gerry Strathman recommended delefing the assessment.
430�434 Case Avenue (File J9905A)
No one appeared.
Gerry Sirathman recommended approving the assessment.
599 Pavne Avenue (File J9905A)
No one appeared.
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
°I9 �°►�
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINiJTES OF 9-7-99
Page 5
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street. If the
owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the
building.
Steve Magner reported this has been a vacant building since 9-22-98. It is listed as a State of
Mivnesota tax exempt properry. There have been eight summary abatement notices issued to
remove refuse, cut grass, secure the building, and remove deteriorated retaining wall. The vacant
building fees aze due. Real estate t�es aze paid. The estimated mazket value is $43,800. The
owner had a code compliance inspection done on 4-15-98. The $2,000 bond was forfeited on 6-
15-99 because the owner had a yeaz to work on the property, and did not complete the necessary
work. The estimated cost to repair is $25,000; to demolish, $7,000 to $8,000.
(Photographs were shown to Gerry Strathman.)
Mr. Strathman stated he is unclear about the ownership. Mr. Magner responded the property was
purchased from the State of Minnesota tax exempt for a contract for deed. Joy Agbara was listed
as the owner, but has been removed. However, Code Enforcement recognizes Joy Agbara as the
owner of the properiy.
Joy Agbaza appeared and stated she purchased the house in 1997. The payment was $1,700, and
she thought that included the taxes. She paid the $1,700, but received a letter that she still owed
$1,700. She talked to a Cluistine Kujala, who told her the $1,7001eft was the property ta1c. Ms.
Agbaza paid another $500 with some remaining to pay. She paid a man $8,000 to fix the house.
He took the addition off of the house, but did not fix the house well. The City told her what was
done in the reaz of her house was not done correctly, and it had to be demolished. Ms. Agbara
applied for a loan to fix the house, and is now waiting for it to be approved. She received a letter
that the city was taking the house. She told them she did not receive any other correspondence
from them. They said they gave something to Ms. Agbaza's daughter, and it is not their fault that
her daughter did not inform her.
Gerry Strathman asked is it vacant now. Ms. Agbaza responded yes.
Chris Kujala, Ramsey County Tas Forfeited Land Departrnent, appeared and stated Ms. Agbara
entered into a contract agreement with her office and purchased the property at an auction in
1997. There was installment and interest paytnents that accrues on the unpaid balance of the
contract. Ms. Agbara was prepazed to make the installment minus the interest. She has a
delinquent tax amount. Ms. Kujala's department took steps to cancel the contract based on state
law.
Mr. Strathxnan asked how the process works to cancel the contract. Ms. Kujala responded her
office gives three notices that the contract will be cancelled. From there, it is turned over to the
County Attorney's Office. They haue served Ms. Agbaza with the paperwork of the cancellation
and the 60 day redemption period. The redemption period has passed, and the contract has been
cancelled, but the claim at this point is there was invalid service to Ms. Agbara. The owner's
attorney and the Ramsey County attorney aze in a litigation mode right now.
aq -°I IS
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINIJTES OF 9-7-99
Page 6
Does Ramsey County intend to intervene in the demolition, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. KujaIa
responded yes because there is an auction on 10-28-99. Paperwork has been sent to change the
records back to State of Minnesota.
Mr. Strathman stated the photographs dated 5-19-99 show the yazd full of refuse and asked has
that been taken caze of. Ms. Kujala responded she only received notice that it needed to be
boazded up. Ms. Agbara responded she boazded it and mowed the lawn last week. Mr. Magner
responded Pazks and Recreation cleaned the yazd a number of times. The summary abatement
notices haue gone to the State of Minnesota and to Ms. Agbaza. The properiy is being
maintained.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative Hearing. Mr.
Magner added that he would like the building to be maintained and secwred. He suggested the
County advertise that the property is a registered vacant building, and will require a code
compliance inspection plus a$2,000 bond before permits are issued to rehabilitate the properiy.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1087 Ross Avenue. If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the
building.
Steve Magner reported this has been vacant since 9-11-98. Six suinmary abatement notices have
been issued to remove refuse, cut tall grass, secure the building, and remove snow from
sidewalks. The vacant building fees aze due. The taxes are unpaid. Taxation has placed a
mazket value of $36,100 on this properry. A code compliance inspection has not been applied for
and a bond has not been posted. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000; estimated cost to
demolish, $6,000 to $7,000.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended approval of the assessment citing no one is present to take
responsibility for the building, and the estimated cost to repair the properiy is close to its
estimated market value.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:11 a.m.
rtn
Citizen Service Office - Code Enforcement Programs
190 Citv Hall 722 Pavne Avenue 615 Universitv Ave Rental Reqistration
Phone: 266-8440 Phone: 265-6984 Phone: 298-4069 Bobbi Levitan
Fax: 266-8426 Fax: 265-6985 Fax: 298-4066 Phone: 266-6005
Name Bad e# Phone# Pa er # C-Phone
Betz,John 306 265-6970 225-0147 485-7372
Bostrom, Mort 266-8439 225-6895 485-7373
Clack, Novella 266-8436
Dornfeld, Matt 361 265-6971 225-0012 485-7370
Esslin , Joel 322 265-6972 228-6678 485-7375
Friel, Tom 355 265-6973 225-0302 485-7376
Green, Merle 266-8434
Hawkins, Jeff 366 265-6974 225-0025 485-7379
Huback, Chris 266-8432
Jackson, Debra 265-6984
Kalis, Mike 362 265-6975 225-0032 485-7393
Kanevsk ,Jo ce 266-8437
LaClare, Jean 341 265-6976 225-0087 485-7380
Linston, Maxine 266-8438
Li ert, Dick 307 265-6980 225-0097 485-7381
Ma ner,Steve 357 266-8428 225-0499 485-7382
Morehead, Mike 266-8439 225-0385
Owusu, Fred 266-8688 650-4781
Peterson, Sall 266-8441 612-978-7902
Prill, Jim 340 265-6977 225-0496 485-7383
Robinson, Harold 354 266-8429 225-0110 485-7384
Sandber , Connie 266-8435 225-0268 485-7371
Schiller, Steve 343 265-6978 225-6849 485-7385
Seele , Paula 370 265-6979 225-0270 485-7386
Sent , Dennis 352 266-8430 229-1985 485-7388
Sin erhouse, Richard 331 266-8445 225-0275 485-7389
in e, Ma nard 309 265-6981 225-0330 485-7390
Votel, Charles 308 298-4069 225-0084 485-7392
Weisber , David 359 265-6982 225-0315 485-7391
Wile , Deborah 266-8433
Willits, Gu 305 266-8443 225-0332 485-7395
Yannarell , Joe 321 265-6983 602-6909 485-7396
MAYOR'S OFFICE PERSONNEL
ROOM 390 CITY HALL
SAINT PAUL, MN 55102
General O�ce Number: 651-266-8514
.: u1
Mike Ca
Norm Coleman
Tom Collins
Roger Curtis
7odi Ellwood
Sruce Engelbrekt
Bill Huepenbecker
Mazio Jauregui
Susan Joern
Jean Karpe
Janice Kelly-Dunkins
Susan Kimberly
Eric Mische
I?azlyne Morrow
Lisa Nasseff
Fred Owusu
Alberto Quintela
7ason Reid
Clint Rusch
Sarah Todd
Cha Vang
Mike Zipko
$azb Zusan
Fax Number: 651-266-8513
POSITION
IGR Director
Mayor
Assistant to Mayor/Public Safety Liaison
Assistant to Mayor/Labor Issues, Committees
Y2K Public Relations
Assistant to the Mayor/Compete Saint Paul
Assistant Chief of Staff
Intern.
Administrative
Administrative
of Staff
Assistant to the MayorlStrategic Planning Dir
Administrative SupportlCity Committees
Assistant to the Mayor/Y2K Pr
City Clerk/Dir. CiUzen Service
Assistant to the Mayor/Commi
Assistant to the Mayor
Intem
Assistant to the Mayor/Neighb�
Assistant to the Mayor/Advanc
Assistant to the Mavor/Southe<
�ications Director
Scheduler/Office
170CH
;ter Cities
outh
Asians Issues
?HONE #
266-8537
266-8510
266-8518
266-8531
266-8528
266-8520
266-8517
266-8515
266-8514
266-8526
266-8524
266-8519
266-8512
266-8525
266-8527
266-8688
266-8529
266-8535
266-8515
266-8539
266-8521
266-8516
266-8534
266-8522
REVISED: May 14, I999
�R�GINAL
Council FIle # -� � S
Green Sheet # G t�taq
RESOLUTION
CITY
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
3y
Presented By
Referred To
Committee: Date
1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City
2 Council to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or
3 wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood frame dwelling located on properiy hereinafter referred to as
4 the "Subject Property" and commonly lrnown as 805 Agate Street. This property is legally described as
5 follows, to wit:
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The South 75 feet of Lot 1, Block 4, Edmund Rice's Second Addition to the City of St.
Paul.
WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information
obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before Febniary 19, 1998, the following aze the now
Irnown interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: State of MN Trust Exempt, 50 Kellogg
Blvd. W. Ste 620B, St. Paul, MN 55102-1557, Attn: Kris Kujala; Joy Agbara, 8727 Ixnperial Avenue,
Cottage Grove, MN 55016; Thorp Loan & Thrift Co., d/bia: ITT Financial Services, 505 Hwy 169,
Plymouth, MN 55447; Chaka A. Ali, 1200 No. Lilac Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55722; Richard D.
Young, Jr., 613 Marshall Avenue, St. Pau1, MN 55102; Americas Wholesale Lender, 4500 Pazk
Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302-1613; Renee Woodbeck, 150 Crranite Street, St. Paul, MN 55117;
Attorney D.H. Seel, 8609 Lyndale Avenue South, Ste. 314, Bloomington, MN 55420; Michael G. &
Judith L. Kuczaboski, 1365 Woodbridge Street, Little Canada, MN 55117; Curt Potts, Currency
Exchange, 942 Payne Avenae, St. Paul, MN 55101; Attomey Alf E. Sivertson, Re: Mazgaret Bichsel,
1465 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106; Valley Pa�ing Incorp., 8800 13`" Avenue East, Shakopee, MN
55379
WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order identified as an "Order to Abate Nuisance
Building(s)" dated March 31, 1998; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the
structure located on the Subject Pxoperty is a nuisance building(s) puxsuant to Chapter 45; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or
demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by Apri130, 1998; and
WI3EREAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placazd on the Subject Property declaring this
building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and
WHEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been coxrected and Division of Code Enforcement
requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City
Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and
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a9-q�5
WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties haue been served notice in accordance with
the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of
the public hearings; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City
Council on Tuesday, 5eptember 7, 1999 to heaz testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony
and evidence, made the recommendafion to approve the request to order the interested or responsible
parties to make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and
welfaze and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure in
accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing
the stnxcture in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of
the structure to be completed wittiin fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, September
22, 1999 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer
was considered by the Council; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above
referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order
concerning the Subject Property at 805 Agate Street:
That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
2.
Q
C�
7
�
That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three
thousand dollars ($3,000.00).
That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the
Subject Property.
That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible
parties to correct the deficiencies ox to demolish and remove the building(s).
That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected.
That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property wluch
declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division
of Code Enforcement, VacantlNuisance Buildings.
Tbat the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution
and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled.
;JRIGI�IAL
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The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order:
qq-q�5
The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and
not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfaze and remove its blighting influence
on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting all deficiencies as prescribed in
the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable
codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing the structure in
accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and
removal ofthe shucture must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date ofthe Council
Hearing.
2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service
Office, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary
to demolish and remove this shucture, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the
Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal
property or f�tures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be
removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this titne period. If all
personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint
Paul sha11 remove and dispose of such property as provided by law.
4. It is fi�rther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties
in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
s :---��� — _ a. . � �-.�_----- --
Approved by May�r:�Date / '���
By:
Citi � Service Office• e Enfo-cement
B • p�'—�
Form Ap ved by City Attorney
By: ��
, .
Adopted by Council: Date '"�`, �o �l�cl°�
ag�q�5
oare iwmnrm
XNJTACT PERSOt4 8 PFIONE
Warren R Bostrom 266-8439 ��
wsr aE ota.cour�t� nc�n ar 2a�
xurme cox
rtovnxc
ortoQt
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET No 61"1�9
N� N�
�.�,.�.�� ��
�en,r�ssowE,r ❑arcumR
❑ wi.xcw�amvicQO.r. ❑ w+wa��aoniKCrc
`WYORMRAL6T� ❑
(CUP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building. The subject property is located at 805 Agate Street.
::,
PLANNING COMMISSION
CIB COMMIITEE
CNIL SERYICE CAMM{SSION
Has this persoMrm e.cr waked under a canUact for this departmeM'7
YES NO
Has thie peraoNfirm ever bren a city empbyee7
YES NO
Does this peisoMrm possess a sldN not iwrmallypossesseU by any curteM cily employee?
YES NO
Is thre persoNfi�m a ferpeted ventloR
YES NO
ilain all ves answeis on se�rate Sheet a� atlach to areen Sheet
INITIATING PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WM, What, When, Whe�e, Why)
This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of
the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement
Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 805 Agate Street by April 30, 1999, and have failed
to comply with those orders.
The City will eliminate a nuisance.
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property,
A nuisance condifion will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community.
OFTRANSACTION S $7,000 - $8,000
souRC� Nuisance Housing Abatement
COST/REVENUE BUD6ETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO
ACTNITYNUMBER 33261
(EJ�WN)
�t�tC� �i�88Cvh Gei1i�I
q°l•q�s
CITIZEN SERVICE OFFICE
F�ed Owaau, Ciry Clerk
DIVLSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEIvfENT
Wmsen R Bastrom Proxrmn Mm+aXer
CIT'Y OF SAINT PAIJL Nuisance Building Cade Enfa�Cemen!
Norm Caleman, Mayor ]S W. Kellogg Blvd Rm- I90 Tel: 651-266-8440
SaintPaul,MN55102 Faz:651-266-8426
i
August 13, 1999
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS '
Council President and
Members of the City Council
Citizen Service Office, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the City
Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the
nuisance building(s) located at:
805 Agate Street
The City Council has scheduled the date of these heazings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, September 7,1999
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, September 22,1999
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
State of MN Trust Exempt
50 Kellogg Blvd. W. Ste 620B
St. Paul, MN 55102-1557
Attn: Kris Kujala
Interest
Fee Owner
Joy Agbara
8727 Imperial Avenue
Cottage Crrove MN 55016
Thorp Loan & Thrift Co.
d!b/a: TPT Financial Services
505 I3wy 169
Plymouth,lvIl�T 55447
Chaka.��li-
1200No:°I:ilacDrive
Golden Valley,lyIN 53'72
�� .�Ti�
COGR�� Pta$Q�PG��, ���1�p�
e - + � �s_�r
Mortga�ee/CD Holder
:Judgment G�tar;,,
qq.q►s
805 Agate Street
August 13, 1999
Page 2
Name and Last Known Address
Richard D. Young, Jr.
613 Marshall Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
Americas Wholesale Lender
4500 Park Granada
Calabasas, CA 91302-1613
Renee Woodbeck
150 Granite Street
St. Paul, NiN 55117
Attorney D.H. Seel
8609 Lyndale Avenue South, Ste. 314
Bloomington, MN 55420
Michael G. & Judith L. Kuczaboski
1365 Woodbridge Street
Little Canada, MN 55117
Curt Potts
Cunency Exchange
942 Payne Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55101
Attorney Alf E. Sivertson
Re: Margazet Bichsel
1465 Arcade Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
Valley Paving Incorp.
8800 13�' Avenue East
Shakopee, NIN 55379
Interest
Judgment Creditor
Mortgagee -
Interested Party
Attomey for Mortgagee
Interested Party
Judgment Creditor
Jud�nent Creditor
7ud�ent Creditor
The le�al description ofthis properry is:
The South 75 feet of Lot 1, Block 4, Edmund Rice's Second Addition to�he City _
of St. Paul.
Division nf Code�nfarcementiias declaredfhis 3�'�'ld'na(s)to constitute�'�ncan P"�s.•rte�ined
byl.egislative:Cnde,.Chagfer1}3:�ivYSionaf;Code�nfarcementiiasissnr� =c;;���n�he�n=
known responsii�le �atties fo:eliminate this nuisance condition:by aosectingfhe:i3efrctenn'res°or
h�� ra�ina anA rPm(lvinvthiR'}1t111�II1H(Sl. � �� � - �. ". �
i
�.�1-q �5
805 Agate Street
August 13, 1999
Page 3
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the blighting influence of this pLOperty. It is the
recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution
ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely
manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition
and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be
collected in the same manner as tases.
Sincerely,
�
�''�,,.--,.,
Steve Magner
Vacant Buildings Supervisor
Division of Code Enforcement
Citizen Service Office
SM:mI
cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Design
Rachel Young, City Attorneys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant 5ecretary to the Council
Steve Zaccazd, Fire Mazshall
Paul Mordorski, PED-Housing Division
ccnph
r.c> '�'% '
qq-qi5
REPORT
Date: November 2, 1999
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevazd
LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
1. Summary Abatement Order for 838 Blair Avenue; David R Jones.
Gerry Strathman granted the appeal.
2. Summary Abatement: Boarding np of 1834 MarYland Avenne East; Robin Rohr.
(J9906B1)
(Laid over from 10-5-99)
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment.
3. Summary Abatement Order for 254 Banfil Street; Jillayn M. Lindahl.
(Appeal withdrawn; this issue has been resolved per Code Enforcement.)
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 79#i Se�bv
Avenue. If the owner fails to compiy with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 872 Selbv
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
6. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street.
If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove
the building.
(Laid over from 9-7-99)
Gerry Strathivan recommended giving the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on
condition that the owner do the following by noon of November 10, 1999: post a$2,000
bond and have the current code compliance inspection determined to be valid or a new
code compliance inspection completed.
�
�q�ar�
MINUTES OF TI-IE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Tuesday, November 2, 1999
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 10:06 a.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Steve Magier, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement
Summary Abatement Order for 838 Blair Avenue; David R Jones.
David Jones, owner, appeazed and stated he has a utility trailer pazked behind his shed. There
was a ticket on it the other day, and he called the City Clerk's Office to find out why. He was
told the trailer is on an unapproved parking surface. However, the trailer has been there over 30
years, is well offthe alley, and out of the way. Mr. Jones has the neighbor's permission to have
it hang over their property line. He was informed the intent of the City ordinance was to get �unk
cazs out of people's yard. Mr. Jones feels they are too broadly interpreting the meaning of the
ordinance. I-Ie keeps the trailer in good repair, the wheels aze securely blocked, and he keeps the
weeds mowed. It is not a hazard to anyone.
(Mr. Jones gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
Gerry Strathman stated inspectors usually are responding to a complaint. He asked how this
issue came about. Guy Willits responded this was red tagged by the police departsnent. The
inspector felt obligated to have the trailer removed. There was no complaint received from the
neighbors on this issue.
Gerry Strathman granted the appeal with respect to this particulaz order. If there are complaints
in the future about the trailer and it is tagged again, something may have to be done.
Summary Abatement: Boarding up of 1834 Maryland Avenue East; Robin Rohr.
(J9906B1)
(Laid over from 10-5-99)
Gerry Strathnnan denied the appeal citing no one is here representing the property.
Summary Abatement Order for 254 Ban£il Street; Jiliayn M. Lindahl.
Guy Willits reported the inspector spoke to the property owner and gaue an extension for the
vehicles to be removed. The inspectar is confident the owner will take caze of the problem.
(Appeal withdrawn; this issue has been resolved per Code Enforcement.)
qq-9►�s
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINU'TES OF 11-2-99
Page 2
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street If the
owner faiLs to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Laid over from 9-7-99) .
Steve Magner reported this properry was laid over by request of Cluis Kujala from the Ramsey
County Tax Forfeited Land Department who said this property was going to be sold at auction.
Two weeks prior to the auction, Joy Agbaza brought her contract current and paid her back ta�ces.
Mr. Magner had two conversations with Ms. Agbaza and informed her she needed to post a bond.
No work has been done to the property. No bond has been posted nor pernuts pulled.
(This properry was discussed further at the end of the meeting.)
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 790 Seibv Avenue. If the
owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
Mr. Magner reported this properry was condemned April 1990 and has been vacant since June
1984. The current owners aze James and Lora Logan. Fourteen summary abatement orders have
been issued to clean the yazd, cut grass, remove snow/ice from sidewalks. Vacant building fees
and real estate taxes are paid. Tasation has placed an estimated market value of $40,000 on the
building. The owner has been working on this building periodically. The last inspection was
October 18, and the owner said at that time he was planning to have everything signed off and
planning to attend today's meeting. Mr. Magner is surprised he is not here. There are a number
of deficiencies on the interior, and the owner is not close to finishing the properry.
Mr. StratUman stated from the photographs, the properry looks like it has new siding and stairs,
but the interior shows signs of deterioration. Mr. Magner stated a bond has been posted and
forfeited. The owner would need to post a new bond and work with the building department to
get his pernuts. The owner told Mr. Magner he is retired and will concentrate on these buildings
(790 Selby and 872 Selby, which will be discussed later.)
Mr. Strathman stated the paperwork shows that the State of Minnesota-T� Exempt is also the
owner. Mr. Magner responded the owner tends to get behind with taa�es, the building reverts to
the State of Minnesota, and then the owner gets caught up.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 872 Selbv Avenue. If the
owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
99-q�s
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUT'ES OF 11-2-99 Page 3
Mr. Magner reported the properry was condemned July 1988 by Code Enforcement and has been
vacant since October 1989. The current properry owners aze State of Minuesota-Trust Exempt
and James and Lora Logan. Twelve summary abatement notices have been issued to remove
refuse, secure the building, and cut grass. The vacant buiiding fees have been paid. Real estate
taaies aze unpaid in the amount of $150639. Tasation has placed an estimated mazket value of
$32,400 on the properiy. As of today, a bond has not been posted. Code Enforcement estimated
the repair cost to be appro�mately $20,000.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval.
805 Agate Street (continued from earlier in the meetin�
Jeremy Monroe, representing Joy Agbara, arrived and stated Ms. Agbara lrnows the property is in
bad shape. She is not a wealthy person, has five children, and has been working hazd to obtain
financing to do repairs. She has a bid for repairs in the neighborhood of $13,000. Ms. Agbaza
has been requested to post a$2,000 bond to secure the work to be done and is raising the money
to do that. She does not have a commitment from a bank.
Mr. Strathman asked is the 4-15-98 code compliance inspecrion still valid. Mr. Magner
responded that would have to be discussed with Don Wagner (of the Office of License,
Inspections, Environmental Protection). There is generally a sunset period of one year.
Gerry Strathman recommended giving the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on
condition that the owner do the following by noon of November 10, 1999: post a$2,000 bond
and have the current code compliance inspection deternuned to be valid or a new code
compliance inspection completed. If the owner has not done these things, then Mr: Strathman
will recommend approval of the resolution.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
0
aq -q ts
REPORT
LEGISLATIVE HEAffiNG
Date: September 7, 1999
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevazd
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
1. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West,
Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Council meeting of 8/4/99)
Gerry Strathxnan recommended reducing the assessment to $85 plus the $40
adininistrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $125.
2. Summary Abatements:
File J9905A Property clean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999
File J9905C Demolition of vacant buildings during June 1999
File J9903V Towing of abandoned vehicles from private property during March
1999
File J9905B Boarding up of vacant building during May 1999
File SSA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs
986 Colne Street (File SSA9901)
Gerry Strathman recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40
administrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606.
995 Kennard Street (File J9905C)
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment.
1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recoa�mended reducing the labor charge by half, making it $315 for
labor, leaving the 6 yard disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total
assessment of $463.
942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended deleting the assessment.
430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
599 Pame Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
�tq-9L5
LEGISLA'I'IVE HEARING REPORT OF 9-7-99 Page 2
3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street.
If the owner faiLs to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to
remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative
Hearing.
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1087 Ross
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is
ordered to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval.
rrn
aq -91 s
MINLJTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Tuesday, September 7, 1999
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Roxanne Flink, Real Estate; Bobbi Levitan, Housing Information Office
(HIO); Steve Magner, Code Enforcement; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code
Enforcement
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica
Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Council meeting of 8/4/99)
Jessica Martin stated she received an assessment for boarding up a vacant building; however, the
building was not vacant. There was a burgiary in April, the burglazs came in the back screen, and
lifted the metal grate. The police were called. The company that boazded up the property put
four screws in the screen. Since then, the azea is blocked in with concrete blocks, and that only
cost $450. Ms. Martin questions the charge just to install screws, and why the building owners
were not contacted.
(Ms. Martin showed a photograph to Gerry Strathman.)
Guy Willits reported this was an emergency boazding. The Fire Department called for the
emergency contractor, and this is what the contractor charged. The assessment is for one trip
plus securing the properiy.
(Mr. Willits presented paperwork.)
Mr. Strathman expiained when the police or fire are called to an emergency situation, they are
not allowed to leave the properly unsecured. The City has a contractor that will come when
called, and secure the properry so the police and fire personnel can leave. The terms of the
agreement is that the contractor will be paid $200 per trip. Once the company is at the properiy,
there is an additional fee for securing the property. Mr. Strathman stated these are usually not
contested because they are covered by insurance. Ms. Martin responded this is the second
burglary and the insurance company is not paying anymore.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended the assessment be reduced to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee,
which brings the assessment to a total of $125.
Summary Abatements:
File J9905A Property clean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999
File J9905C Demolifion of vacant buildings daring June 1999
File J9903V Towing of abandoned vehicles from private property during March 1999
File J9905B Boarding up of vacant building during May 1999
File SSA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs
aq-qis
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99
986 Colne Street (File SSA9901)
Page 2
Jody Thraen, owner, appeazed and stated she purchased her home in May 1997. In August, she
discovered she had a rat problem. She had numerous esterminators come to her house to give
her suggestions to cleaz up this problem. She spent hundreds of dollars hying to get rid of the
rats. She called several City offices for help, and they told her to call an exterminator. One
extermivator told her there was a break in the sewer line and to call Public Works. Public Works
gave her the name and number of a person who videotapes sewers. This man videotaped her
sewer line and discovered a break in it. Ms. Thraen had that section replaced. However, rats still
came into her home. Ms. Thraen called her City council member who got her in touch with
Chuck Votet. He cazne out with a sewer contractor, who observed there were rats in the house.
They found there were multiple breaks in the sewer line. The contractor suggested the entire
sewer pipe be replaced from the main a11 the way to the street, and they estimated it would cost
between $3,000 to $4,000. Ms. Thraen agreed to pay that cost. Later, they realized it would go
beyond that price. She had no chance to get second bids.
Gerry Strathman asked was she told what was happening. Mr. Thraen responded the sewer pipe
was further below ground than anticipated. There was a tree in the front yard which prevented
them from getting into the street, the sidewalk had to be dug up. Ms. Thraen wanted to put a halt
on the whole thing because she could not afford it. She was told to finish the project and worry
about paying for it later. It ended up being three times more than it was quoted. Since then,
there is no rat probiem. If this assessment is put on her taxes she will not be able to live there.
Bobbi Levitan, Ramsey County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, appeared and stated
she worked with Ms. Thraen, who was referred by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Ms.
Thraen did everything she was told by professionals, City personnel, contractors, and
externunators. Ms. Levitan was able to secure money for Ms. Thraen to get the camera test
done. It was later found that the camera test was not done correcfly. It should have been done all
the way to the main sewer, but it was videotaped to the first break and stopped.
Chuck Votel reported the contractor estimated the project to be about $3,000. It was Code
EnforcemenYs decision that the entire line needed to be replaced. There was convincing
evidence that rats were not just entering the basement, but also escaping into the neighborhood.
Despite Ms. Thraen's direction that she could not afford the fee, it was Mr. VotePs decision to
complete the repair so it would not be a problem for the neighborhood. The cost went way over
what was estimated. It included restoring the retaining wall, sidewalk, and some other things.
The original estimate was $3,000, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Thraen responded $3,600 has been
paid.
Mr. Strathman recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40 service charge,
which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606. The City policy is clear on this issue: property
owners are responsible for the sewer line on their properiy. In view of the fact that Ms. Thraen
operated in accordance with the advice given by City officials, and given Mr. Votel's
99 �q �
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 3
detennivation that this was a public safety issue, these rivo things can be taken into consideration
in mitigating this case.
995 Kennard Street (File J9905C)
Jean Osteraas, owner, appeazed and stated she purchased this house at the tax forfeit auction in
April. There was a small Quonset (hut) on that properry. She said she would like to keep that
structure, and would clean it out. She planned to build a small manufacturing plant and to use
the Quonset to store materials.
(Ms. Osteraas showed picture of her plans to Mr. Strathman.)
Ms. Osteraas was told by someone from the taY forfeit office that they would see what they could
do with the city regazding demolition of the Quonset. Ms. Osteraas was told that if the County
was not successful and there was demolition, that wouid be announced at the day of the auction.
She went to the office one morning, and there was no mention that the Quonset was demolished
the previous day. All the paperwork reads `pending demoli6on.' The bill for the demolition is
for $3,000. Ms. Osteraas went to City personnel, who said they never had a request from the tax
forfeit office to save that building. The County claims they made a request on the telephone.
The City blames the County and the County blames the City.
Ms. Osteraas stated her letter says it was scheduled for demolition in June, but it was demolished
in April. Guy Willits explained the legislative hearing was on 3-16-99, and the City Council
hearing was on 3-24-99. It would have been scheduled for demolition 18 days later, which
would be April.
Steve Magner reported Ramsey County was aware that the City Council passed a resolution to
demolish the building. The County said they were going to sell it at auction, and they were told
to take court action to stop the City from demolishing the building, but they never did that. This
was a deteriorating Quonset that had been broken into and vandalized over the yeazs. Residents
were upset that the City had not taken action on this matter. Ms. Osteraas responded a neighbor
did not want the kids hauing parties in there, but it could have been secured against that.
Mr. Strathman stated the cost was $2,700 for demolition, which is the contractor fee and asked
what is the $492.48. Mr. Votel responded the administrative fee for process service and title
work.
Roxanne Flink eaplained the property was pending demolition. Any tas forfeited assessment is
paid by the City and not the County. State law says the City pays a11 assessments on tax forfeited
property. The City gets their money after the County takes their money out of handling the sale.
The City is responsible for levied items and nothing else.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment citing he cannot find any fault with
what the City did. If Ramsey County made promises, the owner might have some action against
them.
qg-9�S
LEGISLATTVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99
1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A)
Page 4
Michele Cooper, owner, appeazed and stated she has had major problems keeping up with her
lawn since her caz accident. She has not been working since last May. Last yeaz, there was a
lazge tree limb in her yazd. She came home one day, the lawn was cieaned, and she recently got
an assessment. The City had to undue her fence and there were tire ruts in her yazd. Ms. Cooper
is not contesting that the work was done, but wonders if it really had to cost that much.
Guy Willits reported that orders were sent 5-17-99 to remove debris and cut tall grass with a
comply date of 5-26-99. The work was done on 6-3-99.
(A videotape was shown.)
(A copy of the work order was shown to Mr. Strathxnan.)
The biIl reads 6 yards (dumpster) for $108, 1 hours of grass for $210, and two hours for $420,
stated Mr. Strathman. He asked what the 1%x hours is for. Mr. Votel answered the grass cutting
rate is different than the rubbish removal rate. Ms. Cooper said it does not take 1'h hours to cut
the grass because her lawn is not big.
Gerty Strathman recommended reducing by half the labor charge, making it $315 for labor,
leaving the 6 yard disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total assessment of
$463. He stated he hopes the owner understands that it is better for her to take care of the lawu
than for the City to do it.
942 Carroll Avenue (File 79905A)
Guy Willits reported two inspectors were at this properry, each with a different compliance date.
In between the two compliance dates, the City went out and abated the property. Mr. Willits
asked for it to be deleted.
Gerry Strathman recommended delefing the assessment.
430�434 Case Avenue (File J9905A)
No one appeared.
Gerry Sirathman recommended approving the assessment.
599 Pavne Avenue (File J9905A)
No one appeared.
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
°I9 �°►�
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINiJTES OF 9-7-99
Page 5
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street. If the
owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the
building.
Steve Magner reported this has been a vacant building since 9-22-98. It is listed as a State of
Mivnesota tax exempt properry. There have been eight summary abatement notices issued to
remove refuse, cut grass, secure the building, and remove deteriorated retaining wall. The vacant
building fees aze due. Real estate t�es aze paid. The estimated mazket value is $43,800. The
owner had a code compliance inspection done on 4-15-98. The $2,000 bond was forfeited on 6-
15-99 because the owner had a yeaz to work on the property, and did not complete the necessary
work. The estimated cost to repair is $25,000; to demolish, $7,000 to $8,000.
(Photographs were shown to Gerry Strathman.)
Mr. Strathman stated he is unclear about the ownership. Mr. Magner responded the property was
purchased from the State of Minnesota tax exempt for a contract for deed. Joy Agbara was listed
as the owner, but has been removed. However, Code Enforcement recognizes Joy Agbara as the
owner of the properiy.
Joy Agbaza appeared and stated she purchased the house in 1997. The payment was $1,700, and
she thought that included the taxes. She paid the $1,700, but received a letter that she still owed
$1,700. She talked to a Cluistine Kujala, who told her the $1,7001eft was the property ta1c. Ms.
Agbaza paid another $500 with some remaining to pay. She paid a man $8,000 to fix the house.
He took the addition off of the house, but did not fix the house well. The City told her what was
done in the reaz of her house was not done correctly, and it had to be demolished. Ms. Agbara
applied for a loan to fix the house, and is now waiting for it to be approved. She received a letter
that the city was taking the house. She told them she did not receive any other correspondence
from them. They said they gave something to Ms. Agbaza's daughter, and it is not their fault that
her daughter did not inform her.
Gerry Strathman asked is it vacant now. Ms. Agbaza responded yes.
Chris Kujala, Ramsey County Tas Forfeited Land Departrnent, appeared and stated Ms. Agbara
entered into a contract agreement with her office and purchased the property at an auction in
1997. There was installment and interest paytnents that accrues on the unpaid balance of the
contract. Ms. Agbara was prepazed to make the installment minus the interest. She has a
delinquent tax amount. Ms. Kujala's department took steps to cancel the contract based on state
law.
Mr. Strathxnan asked how the process works to cancel the contract. Ms. Kujala responded her
office gives three notices that the contract will be cancelled. From there, it is turned over to the
County Attorney's Office. They haue served Ms. Agbaza with the paperwork of the cancellation
and the 60 day redemption period. The redemption period has passed, and the contract has been
cancelled, but the claim at this point is there was invalid service to Ms. Agbara. The owner's
attorney and the Ramsey County attorney aze in a litigation mode right now.
aq -°I IS
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINIJTES OF 9-7-99
Page 6
Does Ramsey County intend to intervene in the demolition, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. KujaIa
responded yes because there is an auction on 10-28-99. Paperwork has been sent to change the
records back to State of Minnesota.
Mr. Strathman stated the photographs dated 5-19-99 show the yazd full of refuse and asked has
that been taken caze of. Ms. Kujala responded she only received notice that it needed to be
boazded up. Ms. Agbara responded she boazded it and mowed the lawn last week. Mr. Magner
responded Pazks and Recreation cleaned the yazd a number of times. The summary abatement
notices haue gone to the State of Minnesota and to Ms. Agbaza. The properiy is being
maintained.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative Hearing. Mr.
Magner added that he would like the building to be maintained and secwred. He suggested the
County advertise that the property is a registered vacant building, and will require a code
compliance inspection plus a$2,000 bond before permits are issued to rehabilitate the properiy.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1087 Ross Avenue. If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the
building.
Steve Magner reported this has been vacant since 9-11-98. Six suinmary abatement notices have
been issued to remove refuse, cut tall grass, secure the building, and remove snow from
sidewalks. The vacant building fees aze due. The taxes are unpaid. Taxation has placed a
mazket value of $36,100 on this properry. A code compliance inspection has not been applied for
and a bond has not been posted. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000; estimated cost to
demolish, $6,000 to $7,000.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended approval of the assessment citing no one is present to take
responsibility for the building, and the estimated cost to repair the properiy is close to its
estimated market value.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:11 a.m.
rtn
Citizen Service Office - Code Enforcement Programs
190 Citv Hall 722 Pavne Avenue 615 Universitv Ave Rental Reqistration
Phone: 266-8440 Phone: 265-6984 Phone: 298-4069 Bobbi Levitan
Fax: 266-8426 Fax: 265-6985 Fax: 298-4066 Phone: 266-6005
Name Bad e# Phone# Pa er # C-Phone
Betz,John 306 265-6970 225-0147 485-7372
Bostrom, Mort 266-8439 225-6895 485-7373
Clack, Novella 266-8436
Dornfeld, Matt 361 265-6971 225-0012 485-7370
Esslin , Joel 322 265-6972 228-6678 485-7375
Friel, Tom 355 265-6973 225-0302 485-7376
Green, Merle 266-8434
Hawkins, Jeff 366 265-6974 225-0025 485-7379
Huback, Chris 266-8432
Jackson, Debra 265-6984
Kalis, Mike 362 265-6975 225-0032 485-7393
Kanevsk ,Jo ce 266-8437
LaClare, Jean 341 265-6976 225-0087 485-7380
Linston, Maxine 266-8438
Li ert, Dick 307 265-6980 225-0097 485-7381
Ma ner,Steve 357 266-8428 225-0499 485-7382
Morehead, Mike 266-8439 225-0385
Owusu, Fred 266-8688 650-4781
Peterson, Sall 266-8441 612-978-7902
Prill, Jim 340 265-6977 225-0496 485-7383
Robinson, Harold 354 266-8429 225-0110 485-7384
Sandber , Connie 266-8435 225-0268 485-7371
Schiller, Steve 343 265-6978 225-6849 485-7385
Seele , Paula 370 265-6979 225-0270 485-7386
Sent , Dennis 352 266-8430 229-1985 485-7388
Sin erhouse, Richard 331 266-8445 225-0275 485-7389
in e, Ma nard 309 265-6981 225-0330 485-7390
Votel, Charles 308 298-4069 225-0084 485-7392
Weisber , David 359 265-6982 225-0315 485-7391
Wile , Deborah 266-8433
Willits, Gu 305 266-8443 225-0332 485-7395
Yannarell , Joe 321 265-6983 602-6909 485-7396
MAYOR'S OFFICE PERSONNEL
ROOM 390 CITY HALL
SAINT PAUL, MN 55102
General O�ce Number: 651-266-8514
.: u1
Mike Ca
Norm Coleman
Tom Collins
Roger Curtis
7odi Ellwood
Sruce Engelbrekt
Bill Huepenbecker
Mazio Jauregui
Susan Joern
Jean Karpe
Janice Kelly-Dunkins
Susan Kimberly
Eric Mische
I?azlyne Morrow
Lisa Nasseff
Fred Owusu
Alberto Quintela
7ason Reid
Clint Rusch
Sarah Todd
Cha Vang
Mike Zipko
$azb Zusan
Fax Number: 651-266-8513
POSITION
IGR Director
Mayor
Assistant to Mayor/Public Safety Liaison
Assistant to Mayor/Labor Issues, Committees
Y2K Public Relations
Assistant to the Mayor/Compete Saint Paul
Assistant Chief of Staff
Intern.
Administrative
Administrative
of Staff
Assistant to the MayorlStrategic Planning Dir
Administrative SupportlCity Committees
Assistant to the Mayor/Y2K Pr
City Clerk/Dir. CiUzen Service
Assistant to the Mayor/Commi
Assistant to the Mayor
Intem
Assistant to the Mayor/Neighb�
Assistant to the Mayor/Advanc
Assistant to the Mavor/Southe<
�ications Director
Scheduler/Office
170CH
;ter Cities
outh
Asians Issues
?HONE #
266-8537
266-8510
266-8518
266-8531
266-8528
266-8520
266-8517
266-8515
266-8514
266-8526
266-8524
266-8519
266-8512
266-8525
266-8527
266-8688
266-8529
266-8535
266-8515
266-8539
266-8521
266-8516
266-8534
266-8522
REVISED: May 14, I999
�R�GINAL
Council FIle # -� � S
Green Sheet # G t�taq
RESOLUTION
CITY
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
3y
Presented By
Referred To
Committee: Date
1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City
2 Council to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or
3 wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood frame dwelling located on properiy hereinafter referred to as
4 the "Subject Property" and commonly lrnown as 805 Agate Street. This property is legally described as
5 follows, to wit:
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The South 75 feet of Lot 1, Block 4, Edmund Rice's Second Addition to the City of St.
Paul.
WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information
obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before Febniary 19, 1998, the following aze the now
Irnown interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: State of MN Trust Exempt, 50 Kellogg
Blvd. W. Ste 620B, St. Paul, MN 55102-1557, Attn: Kris Kujala; Joy Agbara, 8727 Ixnperial Avenue,
Cottage Grove, MN 55016; Thorp Loan & Thrift Co., d/bia: ITT Financial Services, 505 Hwy 169,
Plymouth, MN 55447; Chaka A. Ali, 1200 No. Lilac Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55722; Richard D.
Young, Jr., 613 Marshall Avenue, St. Pau1, MN 55102; Americas Wholesale Lender, 4500 Pazk
Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302-1613; Renee Woodbeck, 150 Crranite Street, St. Paul, MN 55117;
Attorney D.H. Seel, 8609 Lyndale Avenue South, Ste. 314, Bloomington, MN 55420; Michael G. &
Judith L. Kuczaboski, 1365 Woodbridge Street, Little Canada, MN 55117; Curt Potts, Currency
Exchange, 942 Payne Avenae, St. Paul, MN 55101; Attomey Alf E. Sivertson, Re: Mazgaret Bichsel,
1465 Arcade Street, St. Paul, MN 55106; Valley Pa�ing Incorp., 8800 13`" Avenue East, Shakopee, MN
55379
WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order identified as an "Order to Abate Nuisance
Building(s)" dated March 31, 1998; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the
structure located on the Subject Pxoperty is a nuisance building(s) puxsuant to Chapter 45; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or
demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by Apri130, 1998; and
WI3EREAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placazd on the Subject Property declaring this
building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and
WHEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been coxrected and Division of Code Enforcement
requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City
Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and
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WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties haue been served notice in accordance with
the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of
the public hearings; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City
Council on Tuesday, 5eptember 7, 1999 to heaz testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony
and evidence, made the recommendafion to approve the request to order the interested or responsible
parties to make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and
welfaze and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure in
accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing
the stnxcture in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of
the structure to be completed wittiin fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, September
22, 1999 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer
was considered by the Council; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above
referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order
concerning the Subject Property at 805 Agate Street:
That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
2.
Q
C�
7
�
That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three
thousand dollars ($3,000.00).
That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the
Subject Property.
That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible
parties to correct the deficiencies ox to demolish and remove the building(s).
That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected.
That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property wluch
declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division
of Code Enforcement, VacantlNuisance Buildings.
Tbat the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution
and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled.
;JRIGI�IAL
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The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order:
qq-q�5
The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and
not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfaze and remove its blighting influence
on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting all deficiencies as prescribed in
the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable
codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing the structure in
accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and
removal ofthe shucture must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date ofthe Council
Hearing.
2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service
Office, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary
to demolish and remove this shucture, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the
Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal
property or f�tures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be
removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this titne period. If all
personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint
Paul sha11 remove and dispose of such property as provided by law.
4. It is fi�rther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties
in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
s :---��� — _ a. . � �-.�_----- --
Approved by May�r:�Date / '���
By:
Citi � Service Office• e Enfo-cement
B • p�'—�
Form Ap ved by City Attorney
By: ��
, .
Adopted by Council: Date '"�`, �o �l�cl°�
ag�q�5
oare iwmnrm
XNJTACT PERSOt4 8 PFIONE
Warren R Bostrom 266-8439 ��
wsr aE ota.cour�t� nc�n ar 2a�
xurme cox
rtovnxc
ortoQt
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET No 61"1�9
N� N�
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�en,r�ssowE,r ❑arcumR
❑ wi.xcw�amvicQO.r. ❑ w+wa��aoniKCrc
`WYORMRAL6T� ❑
(CUP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building. The subject property is located at 805 Agate Street.
::,
PLANNING COMMISSION
CIB COMMIITEE
CNIL SERYICE CAMM{SSION
Has this persoMrm e.cr waked under a canUact for this departmeM'7
YES NO
Has thie peraoNfirm ever bren a city empbyee7
YES NO
Does this peisoMrm possess a sldN not iwrmallypossesseU by any curteM cily employee?
YES NO
Is thre persoNfi�m a ferpeted ventloR
YES NO
ilain all ves answeis on se�rate Sheet a� atlach to areen Sheet
INITIATING PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORTUNITY (WM, What, When, Whe�e, Why)
This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of
the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement
Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 805 Agate Street by April 30, 1999, and have failed
to comply with those orders.
The City will eliminate a nuisance.
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property,
A nuisance condifion will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community.
OFTRANSACTION S $7,000 - $8,000
souRC� Nuisance Housing Abatement
COST/REVENUE BUD6ETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO
ACTNITYNUMBER 33261
(EJ�WN)
�t�tC� �i�88Cvh Gei1i�I
q°l•q�s
CITIZEN SERVICE OFFICE
F�ed Owaau, Ciry Clerk
DIVLSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEIvfENT
Wmsen R Bastrom Proxrmn Mm+aXer
CIT'Y OF SAINT PAIJL Nuisance Building Cade Enfa�Cemen!
Norm Caleman, Mayor ]S W. Kellogg Blvd Rm- I90 Tel: 651-266-8440
SaintPaul,MN55102 Faz:651-266-8426
i
August 13, 1999
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS '
Council President and
Members of the City Council
Citizen Service Office, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the City
Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the
nuisance building(s) located at:
805 Agate Street
The City Council has scheduled the date of these heazings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, September 7,1999
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, September 22,1999
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
State of MN Trust Exempt
50 Kellogg Blvd. W. Ste 620B
St. Paul, MN 55102-1557
Attn: Kris Kujala
Interest
Fee Owner
Joy Agbara
8727 Imperial Avenue
Cottage Crrove MN 55016
Thorp Loan & Thrift Co.
d!b/a: TPT Financial Services
505 I3wy 169
Plymouth,lvIl�T 55447
Chaka.��li-
1200No:°I:ilacDrive
Golden Valley,lyIN 53'72
�� .�Ti�
COGR�� Pta$Q�PG��, ���1�p�
e - + � �s_�r
Mortga�ee/CD Holder
:Judgment G�tar;,,
qq.q►s
805 Agate Street
August 13, 1999
Page 2
Name and Last Known Address
Richard D. Young, Jr.
613 Marshall Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
Americas Wholesale Lender
4500 Park Granada
Calabasas, CA 91302-1613
Renee Woodbeck
150 Granite Street
St. Paul, NiN 55117
Attorney D.H. Seel
8609 Lyndale Avenue South, Ste. 314
Bloomington, MN 55420
Michael G. & Judith L. Kuczaboski
1365 Woodbridge Street
Little Canada, MN 55117
Curt Potts
Cunency Exchange
942 Payne Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55101
Attorney Alf E. Sivertson
Re: Margazet Bichsel
1465 Arcade Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
Valley Paving Incorp.
8800 13�' Avenue East
Shakopee, NIN 55379
Interest
Judgment Creditor
Mortgagee -
Interested Party
Attomey for Mortgagee
Interested Party
Judgment Creditor
Jud�nent Creditor
7ud�ent Creditor
The le�al description ofthis properry is:
The South 75 feet of Lot 1, Block 4, Edmund Rice's Second Addition to�he City _
of St. Paul.
Division nf Code�nfarcementiias declaredfhis 3�'�'ld'na(s)to constitute�'�ncan P"�s.•rte�ined
byl.egislative:Cnde,.Chagfer1}3:�ivYSionaf;Code�nfarcementiiasissnr� =c;;���n�he�n=
known responsii�le �atties fo:eliminate this nuisance condition:by aosectingfhe:i3efrctenn'res°or
h�� ra�ina anA rPm(lvinvthiR'}1t111�II1H(Sl. � �� � - �. ". �
i
�.�1-q �5
805 Agate Street
August 13, 1999
Page 3
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the blighting influence of this pLOperty. It is the
recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution
ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely
manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition
and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be
collected in the same manner as tases.
Sincerely,
�
�''�,,.--,.,
Steve Magner
Vacant Buildings Supervisor
Division of Code Enforcement
Citizen Service Office
SM:mI
cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Design
Rachel Young, City Attorneys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant 5ecretary to the Council
Steve Zaccazd, Fire Mazshall
Paul Mordorski, PED-Housing Division
ccnph
r.c> '�'% '
qq-qi5
REPORT
Date: November 2, 1999
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevazd
LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
1. Summary Abatement Order for 838 Blair Avenue; David R Jones.
Gerry Strathman granted the appeal.
2. Summary Abatement: Boarding np of 1834 MarYland Avenne East; Robin Rohr.
(J9906B1)
(Laid over from 10-5-99)
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment.
3. Summary Abatement Order for 254 Banfil Street; Jillayn M. Lindahl.
(Appeal withdrawn; this issue has been resolved per Code Enforcement.)
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 79#i Se�bv
Avenue. If the owner fails to compiy with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 872 Selbv
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
6. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street.
If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove
the building.
(Laid over from 9-7-99)
Gerry Strathivan recommended giving the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on
condition that the owner do the following by noon of November 10, 1999: post a$2,000
bond and have the current code compliance inspection determined to be valid or a new
code compliance inspection completed.
�
�q�ar�
MINUTES OF TI-IE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Tuesday, November 2, 1999
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 10:06 a.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Steve Magier, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement
Summary Abatement Order for 838 Blair Avenue; David R Jones.
David Jones, owner, appeazed and stated he has a utility trailer pazked behind his shed. There
was a ticket on it the other day, and he called the City Clerk's Office to find out why. He was
told the trailer is on an unapproved parking surface. However, the trailer has been there over 30
years, is well offthe alley, and out of the way. Mr. Jones has the neighbor's permission to have
it hang over their property line. He was informed the intent of the City ordinance was to get �unk
cazs out of people's yard. Mr. Jones feels they are too broadly interpreting the meaning of the
ordinance. I-Ie keeps the trailer in good repair, the wheels aze securely blocked, and he keeps the
weeds mowed. It is not a hazard to anyone.
(Mr. Jones gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
Gerry Strathman stated inspectors usually are responding to a complaint. He asked how this
issue came about. Guy Willits responded this was red tagged by the police departsnent. The
inspector felt obligated to have the trailer removed. There was no complaint received from the
neighbors on this issue.
Gerry Strathman granted the appeal with respect to this particulaz order. If there are complaints
in the future about the trailer and it is tagged again, something may have to be done.
Summary Abatement: Boarding up of 1834 Maryland Avenue East; Robin Rohr.
(J9906B1)
(Laid over from 10-5-99)
Gerry Strathnnan denied the appeal citing no one is here representing the property.
Summary Abatement Order for 254 Ban£il Street; Jiliayn M. Lindahl.
Guy Willits reported the inspector spoke to the property owner and gaue an extension for the
vehicles to be removed. The inspectar is confident the owner will take caze of the problem.
(Appeal withdrawn; this issue has been resolved per Code Enforcement.)
qq-9►�s
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINU'TES OF 11-2-99
Page 2
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street If the
owner faiLs to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Laid over from 9-7-99) .
Steve Magner reported this properry was laid over by request of Cluis Kujala from the Ramsey
County Tax Forfeited Land Department who said this property was going to be sold at auction.
Two weeks prior to the auction, Joy Agbaza brought her contract current and paid her back ta�ces.
Mr. Magner had two conversations with Ms. Agbaza and informed her she needed to post a bond.
No work has been done to the property. No bond has been posted nor pernuts pulled.
(This properry was discussed further at the end of the meeting.)
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 790 Seibv Avenue. If the
owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
Mr. Magner reported this properry was condemned April 1990 and has been vacant since June
1984. The current owners aze James and Lora Logan. Fourteen summary abatement orders have
been issued to clean the yazd, cut grass, remove snow/ice from sidewalks. Vacant building fees
and real estate taxes are paid. Tasation has placed an estimated market value of $40,000 on the
building. The owner has been working on this building periodically. The last inspection was
October 18, and the owner said at that time he was planning to have everything signed off and
planning to attend today's meeting. Mr. Magner is surprised he is not here. There are a number
of deficiencies on the interior, and the owner is not close to finishing the properry.
Mr. StratUman stated from the photographs, the properry looks like it has new siding and stairs,
but the interior shows signs of deterioration. Mr. Magner stated a bond has been posted and
forfeited. The owner would need to post a new bond and work with the building department to
get his pernuts. The owner told Mr. Magner he is retired and will concentrate on these buildings
(790 Selby and 872 Selby, which will be discussed later.)
Mr. Strathman stated the paperwork shows that the State of Minnesota-T� Exempt is also the
owner. Mr. Magner responded the owner tends to get behind with taa�es, the building reverts to
the State of Minnesota, and then the owner gets caught up.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 872 Selbv Avenue. If the
owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner gave photographs to Gerry Strathman.)
99-q�s
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUT'ES OF 11-2-99 Page 3
Mr. Magner reported the properry was condemned July 1988 by Code Enforcement and has been
vacant since October 1989. The current properry owners aze State of Minuesota-Trust Exempt
and James and Lora Logan. Twelve summary abatement notices have been issued to remove
refuse, secure the building, and cut grass. The vacant buiiding fees have been paid. Real estate
taaies aze unpaid in the amount of $150639. Tasation has placed an estimated mazket value of
$32,400 on the properiy. As of today, a bond has not been posted. Code Enforcement estimated
the repair cost to be appro�mately $20,000.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval.
805 Agate Street (continued from earlier in the meetin�
Jeremy Monroe, representing Joy Agbara, arrived and stated Ms. Agbara lrnows the property is in
bad shape. She is not a wealthy person, has five children, and has been working hazd to obtain
financing to do repairs. She has a bid for repairs in the neighborhood of $13,000. Ms. Agbaza
has been requested to post a$2,000 bond to secure the work to be done and is raising the money
to do that. She does not have a commitment from a bank.
Mr. Strathman asked is the 4-15-98 code compliance inspecrion still valid. Mr. Magner
responded that would have to be discussed with Don Wagner (of the Office of License,
Inspections, Environmental Protection). There is generally a sunset period of one year.
Gerry Strathman recommended giving the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on
condition that the owner do the following by noon of November 10, 1999: post a$2,000 bond
and have the current code compliance inspection deternuned to be valid or a new code
compliance inspection completed. If the owner has not done these things, then Mr: Strathman
will recommend approval of the resolution.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
0
aq -q ts
REPORT
LEGISLATIVE HEAffiNG
Date: September 7, 1999
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Kellogg Boulevazd
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
1. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West,
Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Council meeting of 8/4/99)
Gerry Strathxnan recommended reducing the assessment to $85 plus the $40
adininistrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $125.
2. Summary Abatements:
File J9905A Property clean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999
File J9905C Demolition of vacant buildings during June 1999
File J9903V Towing of abandoned vehicles from private property during March
1999
File J9905B Boarding up of vacant building during May 1999
File SSA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs
986 Colne Street (File SSA9901)
Gerry Strathman recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40
administrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606.
995 Kennard Street (File J9905C)
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment.
1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recoa�mended reducing the labor charge by half, making it $315 for
labor, leaving the 6 yard disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total
assessment of $463.
942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended deleting the assessment.
430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
599 Pame Avenue (File J9905A)
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
�tq-9L5
LEGISLA'I'IVE HEARING REPORT OF 9-7-99 Page 2
3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street.
If the owner faiLs to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to
remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative
Hearing.
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1087 Ross
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is
ordered to remove the building.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval.
rrn
aq -91 s
MINLJTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Tuesday, September 7, 1999
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Roxanne Flink, Real Estate; Bobbi Levitan, Housing Information Office
(HIO); Steve Magner, Code Enforcement; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code
Enforcement
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica
Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Council meeting of 8/4/99)
Jessica Martin stated she received an assessment for boarding up a vacant building; however, the
building was not vacant. There was a burgiary in April, the burglazs came in the back screen, and
lifted the metal grate. The police were called. The company that boazded up the property put
four screws in the screen. Since then, the azea is blocked in with concrete blocks, and that only
cost $450. Ms. Martin questions the charge just to install screws, and why the building owners
were not contacted.
(Ms. Martin showed a photograph to Gerry Strathman.)
Guy Willits reported this was an emergency boazding. The Fire Department called for the
emergency contractor, and this is what the contractor charged. The assessment is for one trip
plus securing the properiy.
(Mr. Willits presented paperwork.)
Mr. Strathman expiained when the police or fire are called to an emergency situation, they are
not allowed to leave the properly unsecured. The City has a contractor that will come when
called, and secure the properry so the police and fire personnel can leave. The terms of the
agreement is that the contractor will be paid $200 per trip. Once the company is at the properiy,
there is an additional fee for securing the property. Mr. Strathman stated these are usually not
contested because they are covered by insurance. Ms. Martin responded this is the second
burglary and the insurance company is not paying anymore.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended the assessment be reduced to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee,
which brings the assessment to a total of $125.
Summary Abatements:
File J9905A Property clean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999
File J9905C Demolifion of vacant buildings daring June 1999
File J9903V Towing of abandoned vehicles from private property during March 1999
File J9905B Boarding up of vacant building during May 1999
File SSA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs
aq-qis
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99
986 Colne Street (File SSA9901)
Page 2
Jody Thraen, owner, appeazed and stated she purchased her home in May 1997. In August, she
discovered she had a rat problem. She had numerous esterminators come to her house to give
her suggestions to cleaz up this problem. She spent hundreds of dollars hying to get rid of the
rats. She called several City offices for help, and they told her to call an exterminator. One
extermivator told her there was a break in the sewer line and to call Public Works. Public Works
gave her the name and number of a person who videotapes sewers. This man videotaped her
sewer line and discovered a break in it. Ms. Thraen had that section replaced. However, rats still
came into her home. Ms. Thraen called her City council member who got her in touch with
Chuck Votet. He cazne out with a sewer contractor, who observed there were rats in the house.
They found there were multiple breaks in the sewer line. The contractor suggested the entire
sewer pipe be replaced from the main a11 the way to the street, and they estimated it would cost
between $3,000 to $4,000. Ms. Thraen agreed to pay that cost. Later, they realized it would go
beyond that price. She had no chance to get second bids.
Gerry Strathman asked was she told what was happening. Mr. Thraen responded the sewer pipe
was further below ground than anticipated. There was a tree in the front yard which prevented
them from getting into the street, the sidewalk had to be dug up. Ms. Thraen wanted to put a halt
on the whole thing because she could not afford it. She was told to finish the project and worry
about paying for it later. It ended up being three times more than it was quoted. Since then,
there is no rat probiem. If this assessment is put on her taxes she will not be able to live there.
Bobbi Levitan, Ramsey County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, appeared and stated
she worked with Ms. Thraen, who was referred by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Ms.
Thraen did everything she was told by professionals, City personnel, contractors, and
externunators. Ms. Levitan was able to secure money for Ms. Thraen to get the camera test
done. It was later found that the camera test was not done correcfly. It should have been done all
the way to the main sewer, but it was videotaped to the first break and stopped.
Chuck Votel reported the contractor estimated the project to be about $3,000. It was Code
EnforcemenYs decision that the entire line needed to be replaced. There was convincing
evidence that rats were not just entering the basement, but also escaping into the neighborhood.
Despite Ms. Thraen's direction that she could not afford the fee, it was Mr. VotePs decision to
complete the repair so it would not be a problem for the neighborhood. The cost went way over
what was estimated. It included restoring the retaining wall, sidewalk, and some other things.
The original estimate was $3,000, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Thraen responded $3,600 has been
paid.
Mr. Strathman recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40 service charge,
which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606. The City policy is clear on this issue: property
owners are responsible for the sewer line on their properiy. In view of the fact that Ms. Thraen
operated in accordance with the advice given by City officials, and given Mr. Votel's
99 �q �
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 3
detennivation that this was a public safety issue, these rivo things can be taken into consideration
in mitigating this case.
995 Kennard Street (File J9905C)
Jean Osteraas, owner, appeazed and stated she purchased this house at the tax forfeit auction in
April. There was a small Quonset (hut) on that properry. She said she would like to keep that
structure, and would clean it out. She planned to build a small manufacturing plant and to use
the Quonset to store materials.
(Ms. Osteraas showed picture of her plans to Mr. Strathman.)
Ms. Osteraas was told by someone from the taY forfeit office that they would see what they could
do with the city regazding demolition of the Quonset. Ms. Osteraas was told that if the County
was not successful and there was demolition, that wouid be announced at the day of the auction.
She went to the office one morning, and there was no mention that the Quonset was demolished
the previous day. All the paperwork reads `pending demoli6on.' The bill for the demolition is
for $3,000. Ms. Osteraas went to City personnel, who said they never had a request from the tax
forfeit office to save that building. The County claims they made a request on the telephone.
The City blames the County and the County blames the City.
Ms. Osteraas stated her letter says it was scheduled for demolition in June, but it was demolished
in April. Guy Willits explained the legislative hearing was on 3-16-99, and the City Council
hearing was on 3-24-99. It would have been scheduled for demolition 18 days later, which
would be April.
Steve Magner reported Ramsey County was aware that the City Council passed a resolution to
demolish the building. The County said they were going to sell it at auction, and they were told
to take court action to stop the City from demolishing the building, but they never did that. This
was a deteriorating Quonset that had been broken into and vandalized over the yeazs. Residents
were upset that the City had not taken action on this matter. Ms. Osteraas responded a neighbor
did not want the kids hauing parties in there, but it could have been secured against that.
Mr. Strathman stated the cost was $2,700 for demolition, which is the contractor fee and asked
what is the $492.48. Mr. Votel responded the administrative fee for process service and title
work.
Roxanne Flink eaplained the property was pending demolition. Any tas forfeited assessment is
paid by the City and not the County. State law says the City pays a11 assessments on tax forfeited
property. The City gets their money after the County takes their money out of handling the sale.
The City is responsible for levied items and nothing else.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment citing he cannot find any fault with
what the City did. If Ramsey County made promises, the owner might have some action against
them.
qg-9�S
LEGISLATTVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99
1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A)
Page 4
Michele Cooper, owner, appeazed and stated she has had major problems keeping up with her
lawn since her caz accident. She has not been working since last May. Last yeaz, there was a
lazge tree limb in her yazd. She came home one day, the lawn was cieaned, and she recently got
an assessment. The City had to undue her fence and there were tire ruts in her yazd. Ms. Cooper
is not contesting that the work was done, but wonders if it really had to cost that much.
Guy Willits reported that orders were sent 5-17-99 to remove debris and cut tall grass with a
comply date of 5-26-99. The work was done on 6-3-99.
(A videotape was shown.)
(A copy of the work order was shown to Mr. Strathxnan.)
The biIl reads 6 yards (dumpster) for $108, 1 hours of grass for $210, and two hours for $420,
stated Mr. Strathman. He asked what the 1%x hours is for. Mr. Votel answered the grass cutting
rate is different than the rubbish removal rate. Ms. Cooper said it does not take 1'h hours to cut
the grass because her lawn is not big.
Gerty Strathman recommended reducing by half the labor charge, making it $315 for labor,
leaving the 6 yard disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total assessment of
$463. He stated he hopes the owner understands that it is better for her to take care of the lawu
than for the City to do it.
942 Carroll Avenue (File 79905A)
Guy Willits reported two inspectors were at this properry, each with a different compliance date.
In between the two compliance dates, the City went out and abated the property. Mr. Willits
asked for it to be deleted.
Gerry Strathman recommended delefing the assessment.
430�434 Case Avenue (File J9905A)
No one appeared.
Gerry Sirathman recommended approving the assessment.
599 Pavne Avenue (File J9905A)
No one appeared.
Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment.
°I9 �°►�
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINiJTES OF 9-7-99
Page 5
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 Agate Street. If the
owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the
building.
Steve Magner reported this has been a vacant building since 9-22-98. It is listed as a State of
Mivnesota tax exempt properry. There have been eight summary abatement notices issued to
remove refuse, cut grass, secure the building, and remove deteriorated retaining wall. The vacant
building fees aze due. Real estate t�es aze paid. The estimated mazket value is $43,800. The
owner had a code compliance inspection done on 4-15-98. The $2,000 bond was forfeited on 6-
15-99 because the owner had a yeaz to work on the property, and did not complete the necessary
work. The estimated cost to repair is $25,000; to demolish, $7,000 to $8,000.
(Photographs were shown to Gerry Strathman.)
Mr. Strathman stated he is unclear about the ownership. Mr. Magner responded the property was
purchased from the State of Minnesota tax exempt for a contract for deed. Joy Agbara was listed
as the owner, but has been removed. However, Code Enforcement recognizes Joy Agbara as the
owner of the properiy.
Joy Agbaza appeared and stated she purchased the house in 1997. The payment was $1,700, and
she thought that included the taxes. She paid the $1,700, but received a letter that she still owed
$1,700. She talked to a Cluistine Kujala, who told her the $1,7001eft was the property ta1c. Ms.
Agbaza paid another $500 with some remaining to pay. She paid a man $8,000 to fix the house.
He took the addition off of the house, but did not fix the house well. The City told her what was
done in the reaz of her house was not done correctly, and it had to be demolished. Ms. Agbara
applied for a loan to fix the house, and is now waiting for it to be approved. She received a letter
that the city was taking the house. She told them she did not receive any other correspondence
from them. They said they gave something to Ms. Agbaza's daughter, and it is not their fault that
her daughter did not inform her.
Gerry Strathman asked is it vacant now. Ms. Agbaza responded yes.
Chris Kujala, Ramsey County Tas Forfeited Land Departrnent, appeared and stated Ms. Agbara
entered into a contract agreement with her office and purchased the property at an auction in
1997. There was installment and interest paytnents that accrues on the unpaid balance of the
contract. Ms. Agbara was prepazed to make the installment minus the interest. She has a
delinquent tax amount. Ms. Kujala's department took steps to cancel the contract based on state
law.
Mr. Strathxnan asked how the process works to cancel the contract. Ms. Kujala responded her
office gives three notices that the contract will be cancelled. From there, it is turned over to the
County Attorney's Office. They haue served Ms. Agbaza with the paperwork of the cancellation
and the 60 day redemption period. The redemption period has passed, and the contract has been
cancelled, but the claim at this point is there was invalid service to Ms. Agbara. The owner's
attorney and the Ramsey County attorney aze in a litigation mode right now.
aq -°I IS
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINIJTES OF 9-7-99
Page 6
Does Ramsey County intend to intervene in the demolition, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. KujaIa
responded yes because there is an auction on 10-28-99. Paperwork has been sent to change the
records back to State of Minnesota.
Mr. Strathman stated the photographs dated 5-19-99 show the yazd full of refuse and asked has
that been taken caze of. Ms. Kujala responded she only received notice that it needed to be
boazded up. Ms. Agbara responded she boazded it and mowed the lawn last week. Mr. Magner
responded Pazks and Recreation cleaned the yazd a number of times. The summary abatement
notices haue gone to the State of Minnesota and to Ms. Agbaza. The properiy is being
maintained.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative Hearing. Mr.
Magner added that he would like the building to be maintained and secwred. He suggested the
County advertise that the property is a registered vacant building, and will require a code
compliance inspection plus a$2,000 bond before permits are issued to rehabilitate the properiy.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1087 Ross Avenue. If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the
building.
Steve Magner reported this has been vacant since 9-11-98. Six suinmary abatement notices have
been issued to remove refuse, cut tall grass, secure the building, and remove snow from
sidewalks. The vacant building fees aze due. The taxes are unpaid. Taxation has placed a
mazket value of $36,100 on this properry. A code compliance inspection has not been applied for
and a bond has not been posted. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000; estimated cost to
demolish, $6,000 to $7,000.
Gerry Strathxnan recommended approval of the assessment citing no one is present to take
responsibility for the building, and the estimated cost to repair the properiy is close to its
estimated market value.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:11 a.m.
rtn
Citizen Service Office - Code Enforcement Programs
190 Citv Hall 722 Pavne Avenue 615 Universitv Ave Rental Reqistration
Phone: 266-8440 Phone: 265-6984 Phone: 298-4069 Bobbi Levitan
Fax: 266-8426 Fax: 265-6985 Fax: 298-4066 Phone: 266-6005
Name Bad e# Phone# Pa er # C-Phone
Betz,John 306 265-6970 225-0147 485-7372
Bostrom, Mort 266-8439 225-6895 485-7373
Clack, Novella 266-8436
Dornfeld, Matt 361 265-6971 225-0012 485-7370
Esslin , Joel 322 265-6972 228-6678 485-7375
Friel, Tom 355 265-6973 225-0302 485-7376
Green, Merle 266-8434
Hawkins, Jeff 366 265-6974 225-0025 485-7379
Huback, Chris 266-8432
Jackson, Debra 265-6984
Kalis, Mike 362 265-6975 225-0032 485-7393
Kanevsk ,Jo ce 266-8437
LaClare, Jean 341 265-6976 225-0087 485-7380
Linston, Maxine 266-8438
Li ert, Dick 307 265-6980 225-0097 485-7381
Ma ner,Steve 357 266-8428 225-0499 485-7382
Morehead, Mike 266-8439 225-0385
Owusu, Fred 266-8688 650-4781
Peterson, Sall 266-8441 612-978-7902
Prill, Jim 340 265-6977 225-0496 485-7383
Robinson, Harold 354 266-8429 225-0110 485-7384
Sandber , Connie 266-8435 225-0268 485-7371
Schiller, Steve 343 265-6978 225-6849 485-7385
Seele , Paula 370 265-6979 225-0270 485-7386
Sent , Dennis 352 266-8430 229-1985 485-7388
Sin erhouse, Richard 331 266-8445 225-0275 485-7389
in e, Ma nard 309 265-6981 225-0330 485-7390
Votel, Charles 308 298-4069 225-0084 485-7392
Weisber , David 359 265-6982 225-0315 485-7391
Wile , Deborah 266-8433
Willits, Gu 305 266-8443 225-0332 485-7395
Yannarell , Joe 321 265-6983 602-6909 485-7396
MAYOR'S OFFICE PERSONNEL
ROOM 390 CITY HALL
SAINT PAUL, MN 55102
General O�ce Number: 651-266-8514
.: u1
Mike Ca
Norm Coleman
Tom Collins
Roger Curtis
7odi Ellwood
Sruce Engelbrekt
Bill Huepenbecker
Mazio Jauregui
Susan Joern
Jean Karpe
Janice Kelly-Dunkins
Susan Kimberly
Eric Mische
I?azlyne Morrow
Lisa Nasseff
Fred Owusu
Alberto Quintela
7ason Reid
Clint Rusch
Sarah Todd
Cha Vang
Mike Zipko
$azb Zusan
Fax Number: 651-266-8513
POSITION
IGR Director
Mayor
Assistant to Mayor/Public Safety Liaison
Assistant to Mayor/Labor Issues, Committees
Y2K Public Relations
Assistant to the Mayor/Compete Saint Paul
Assistant Chief of Staff
Intern.
Administrative
Administrative
of Staff
Assistant to the MayorlStrategic Planning Dir
Administrative SupportlCity Committees
Assistant to the Mayor/Y2K Pr
City Clerk/Dir. CiUzen Service
Assistant to the Mayor/Commi
Assistant to the Mayor
Intem
Assistant to the Mayor/Neighb�
Assistant to the Mayor/Advanc
Assistant to the Mavor/Southe<
�ications Director
Scheduler/Office
170CH
;ter Cities
outh
Asians Issues
?HONE #
266-8537
266-8510
266-8518
266-8531
266-8528
266-8520
266-8517
266-8515
266-8514
266-8526
266-8524
266-8519
266-8512
266-8525
266-8527
266-8688
266-8529
266-8535
266-8515
266-8539
266-8521
266-8516
266-8534
266-8522
REVISED: May 14, I999