The URL can be used to link to this page

99-916�RIGINAL Presented Sy Referred To Council Flle # Q�-q 1 � Green Sheet # �D I�,aS RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA ys 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 ox 3 wrecking and removal of a one-story, single family wood frame dwelling located on properry hereinafter 4 refened to as the "Subject Properly" and commonly known as 1087 Ross Avenue. This property is 5 legally described as follows, to wit: 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Lot 18, Block 7, Terry's Addition to the City of Saint Paul, County of Runsey and State ofMuuiesota. WI�REAS, based upon the records in the Raznsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before December 16, 1998, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties fox the Subject Pxoperiy: Benjamin W. Cotten, 7x. & Sharon E. Treacy-Cotten, 1087 Ross Avenue , St. Paul, MN 55106-3938, Metro Housing Renovation, Inc., 3010 Hennepin Avenue South #243, Mpls., MN 55408; Advanta Mortgage Corp. USA, 16875 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127; James J. Tuzinski, Attorney at Law, Jeanette M. Tuzinski or William A. Erhart, 7050 Brooklyn Blvd., Mpls., MN 55429; Robert W. Fleming, Vice President of Intrastate Homecrafters Inc., P.O. Box 50707, Mendota, MN 55150, Re: 1087 Ross Avenue; WIIEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order idenrified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated Februaiy 23, 1999; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant 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 Properiy by March 25, 1999; and WI�REAS, 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 conected 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 WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have 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 qq-q t� 1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City 2 Council on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 to hear testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony 3 and evidence, made the recommendafion to approve the request to order the interested or responsible 4 parties to make the Subject Properry safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and 5 welfaze and remove its blighting influence on the community by xehabilitating this structute in 6 accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing 7 the structure ut accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of 8 the structure to be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 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 refexenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order conceming the Subject Property at 1087 Ross Avenue: That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. � �� That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three thousand dollazs ($3,000.00). That there now exists and has e�sted 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 corxect the deficiencies or 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 which 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, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this xesolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: L The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this stnxcture and conecting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and ardinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days aftex the date of the Council Hearing. �RIGINAL aq -°l �t� 2 2. If the above correcfive action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service 3 Office, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps aze necessary 4 to demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the 5 Subject Properry pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislafive Code. 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 � In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, a11 personal property ar fixri�res of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end ofthis tune period. If all personal property is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. It is further 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: Citi,en Service Offic �ode En rcement B • (/vv� Form Approved by City Attorney Adoption Certified by Council Secretary BY� 1 \\ C l. �—�.�o.�ra, � Approved by Mayor: Date r Z, l�� By: Ci'-U�/�Llil. / By: fi�� Approved b Mayor for Submission to Council � , /� ,// Adopted by Council: Date p�,� a.'a ��9 �l c 1 �t�t-91c� �� Warren R Bostrom 266-8439 xu�me wrt ROUfING TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE GREEN SHEET No 61'725 InItlaYGah InXisUOala �...,�.��.� �� ....«� ��„�«� ❑ ww�auaExncss�e ❑ wuxn�taErtv�accro � wrortlw�nsmnu+p� ❑ (CLJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATUR� City Council to pass tlus 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 1087 Ross Avenue. PLANNING CAMMISSION CIB CAMMIITEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION YES NO 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 1087 Ross Avenue by March 25, 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 build'utg(s). These costs will be assessed to the properry, Flas this Pag�rm everworked under a confract forthis tlepaAment'1 YES NO Nas Mie D��rm ever been a cilY emPbYee'! YES NO ooes mis ce�Nfiim poscecs a slan mc norma�yao�sessed M any curtem citr emWmree7 Is mis pe+soM'm a tarpetae vendW7 YES NO Yain all ves answals on senarate sheE A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. oFrwe+sacrrorr s $6,000 - $7,000 CAET/REVQ/UE BUD(iEfm (GRCLE ON� ves ) No ncTrvm NwaeEa � Nuisance Housing Abatement (��M REQJ3�Ch �*��f �� CPfIZIN SERVICE OFFICE Fred Owusu, Ciry Clerk Interested Party DIVLSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT W¢rren R Bostrom, ProAram ManaKer CTTY OF SAINT PAIJL Nuismue Building Code Enjorcement Norm Coleram; Mayor IS W. KelloggBlvd Rm I90 Saint Paut, MN 55102 � August 13, 1994 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and Members of the City Council Mort�a�ee Attomey Citizen Service Office, Vacant/Nuisance Buiidings 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: 1087 Ross Avenue The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings 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 Benjamin W. Cotten, 7r. & Shazon E. Treacy-Cotten 1087 Ross Avenue St. Paul, MN 55106-3938 Interest Fee Owner Metro Housing Renovation, Inc. 3010 Hennepin Avenue South #243 Mpls., MN 55408 Advanta Mortga�e Corp. USA 16875 West Bernardo Drive San Diego, CA 92I27 7ames 7. Tiizinski, Attomeyatlaw, 3eaneiteM. Tnzinskibr�V'-iIliam�.F fi050Bzooktyu�lvri. 1vlgls�, MN55429 �t°l- K1� Tel: 651-266-8440 Fax: 65I 2668426 Cout!C4S ��S�c.t�h P��nigr E.v : rf�; Attomey for Advanta 11�IorYga^ge Corp �lR -`l�� 1087 Ross Avenue Pa�e 2 August 13, 1999 Name and Last Known Address Interest Robert W. Fleming Mortgaaee Vice President of Intrastate Homecrafters Inc. P.O. Box 50707 Mendota, MN 55150 Re: 1087 Ross Avenue The legal description of ttus property is: Lot 18, Block 7, Terry's Addition to the City of Saint Paul, County of Ramsey and State ofMinnesota. Division of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Legislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by xazuig and removing this building(s). 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 properiy. 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 incuned against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same manner as taxes. Sincerely, A- � /� �� Steve Magner V acant Buildings Supervisor Division of Code Enforcement Citizen Service Office '+�►�R�.11 cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspecfion and Design Rachei Young, City Attomeys Office Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccazd, Fire Mazshall Paul Mordorski, PED-I3ousingDivision «pb �q -°�lb REPORT [�J�Ze� ��/ .�i�71�L� Date: September 7, 1999 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Keilogg Boulevazd Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer 1. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Councff meeting of 8/4/99) Gerry Sirathman recommended reducing the assessment to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $125. 2. Summary Abatements: File J9905A Property ciean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999 File J9905C Demolirion 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 Kennazd Street (File 39905C) Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment. 1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathman recommended reducing the labor charge by half, making it $315 for labor, leaving the 6 yazd disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total assessment of $463. 942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A) Gersy Strathman recommended deleting the assessment. 430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathxnan recommended approving the assessment. 599 Pavne Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. �g-`i�� LEGISLATIVE 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 owaer 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. � �i�t ' °� �� MINUTES OF TI� 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 am. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant buiiding at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Councii meeting of 8/4199) Jessica Martin stated she received an assessment for boazding up a vacant building; however, the building was not vacant. There was a burglary in April, the burglars 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 chazge 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 property. (Mr. Willits presented paperwork.) Mr. Strathman explained when the police or fire aze called to an emergency situation, they aze not allowed to leave the property unsecured. The City has a contractor that will come when called, and secure the property so the police and fire personnel can leaue. The terms of the agreement is that the conh�actor will be paid $200 per trip. Once the company is at the properry, there is an additional fee for securing the properiy. Mr. Strathman stated these aze usually not contested because ihey aze covered by insurance. Ms. Martin responded this is the second burglary and the insurance company is not paying anymore. Gerry Strathman recommended the assessment be reduced to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee, which bzings the assessment to a total of $125. Summary Abatements: File J9905A Property clean-up andlor 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 5SA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs alq-S�i� 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 eaterminators come to her house to give her suggestions to clear up ttris problem. She spent hundreds of doilazs trying to get rid of the rats. She called several City offices for help, and they told her to call an e�erminator. One exterminator 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 sfill came into her home. Ms. Thraen called her City council member who got her in touch with Chuck Votel. He came out with a sewer contractor, who observed there were rats in the house. They found there were multiple breaks in the sewer line. T'he contractor suggested the entire sewer pipe be replaced from the main all 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 toid to finish the project and worry about paying for it later. It ended up being three rimes more than it was quoted. Since then, there is no rat problem. If this assessment is put on her ta�ces she will not be able to live there. Bobbi Levitan, Ramsey County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, appeazed 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 eacterniinators. 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 contractar 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 d'uection that she could not afford the fee, it was Mr. Votel's 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 retaiving wall, sidewallc, and some other things. The original estimate was $3,000, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Thraen responded $3,600 has been paid. Mr. SiraUunan recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40 service chazge, which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606. The City policy is cleaz on this issue: properry owners aze responsible for the sewer line on their property. In view of the fact that Ms. Thraen operated in accordance with the advice given by City officials, and given Mr. Votel's °l°l-`1�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 3 determination that this was a public safety issue, these two things can be taken into consideration in mitigating this case. 995 Kennard Street (File J9905C) Jean Osteraas, owner, appeared and stated she purchased tlus house at the tas forfeit auction in April. There was a small Quonset (hut) on that properiy. 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. Ostezaas showed picture of her plans to Mr. Strathman.) Ms. Osteraas was told by someone from the tax 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 would 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 demolition.' The bill far the demolition is for $3,000. Ms. Osteraas went to Ciry 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 7une, 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 awaze 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 having 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 explained the properiy was pending demolition. Any tax forfeited assessment is paid by the City and not the County. State law says the City pays all assessments on tax forfeited properry. 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. o�c�_� t4 LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A) Page 4 Michele Cooper, owner, appeared 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 year, there was a lazge tree limb in her yard. She came home one day, the lawn was cieaned, and she recenfly got an assessment. The City had to undue her fence and there were tire ruts in her yard. Ms. Cooper is not contesting that the work was done, but wonders if it really had to cost that much. Guy VJillits 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. StraUunan.) The bill reads 6 yazds (dumpster) for $108, 1'/� hours of grass for $210, and two hours for $420, stated Mr. Strathman. He asked what the 1'/z 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'/s hours to cut the grass because her lawn is not big. Gerry Strathman recommended reducing by half the labor chazge, 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 caze of the lauvn than for the City to do it. 942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A) Guy Willits reported two inspectors were at this properiy, each with a different compliance date. In between the two compliance dates, the City went out and abated the property. Mr. Wiilits asked for it to be deleted. CTerry Strathman recommended deleting the assessment. 430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A) No one appeazed. Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. 599 Paune Avenue (File J9905A) No one appeazed. Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. c�q -q t4 LEGISLATIVE YEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 5 Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 AQate Street. If the owner faiLs to comply with the resolntion, 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 Minnesota 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 taxes are paid. The estimated market 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 Stratluuan.) Mr. Strathman stated he is unclear about the ownership. Mr. Magner responded the properry was purchased from the State of Minnesota tas exempt for a contract for deed. Joy Agbaza was listed as the owner, but has been removed. However, Code Enforcement recognizes Joy Agbaza as the owner of the properiy. Joy Agbaza appeazed 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 Christine Kujala, who told her the $1,700 left was the properry tax. Ms. Agbara paid another $500 with some remaining to pay. She paid a man $8,000 to fix the house. He took the addirion 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 taldng the house. She told them she did not receive any other conespondence from them. They said they gaue something to Ms. Agbaza's daughter, and it is not their fault that her daughter did not inform her. Gerry Strathxnan asked is it vacant now. Ms. Agbaza responded yes. Chris Kujala, Ramsey County TaY Forfeited Land Department, appeared and stated Ms. Agbaza entered into a contract agreement with her office and purchased the properry at an auction in 1997. There was installment and interest payments that accrues on the unpaid balance of the contract. Ms. Agbaza was prepared 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. Strathman 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 Attomey's Office. They have served Ms. Agbara 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. Agbaza. The owner's attomey and the Ramsey County attorney are in a litigation mode right now. aq•qi� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 6 Does Ramsey County intend to intervene in the demolition, asked Mr. Stratbman. Ms. Kuj ala responded yes because there is an auction on 10-28-99_ Paperwork has been sent to change the records back to State ofMinnesota. Mr. Strathman stated the photographs dated 5-19-99 show the yazd full of refuse and asked has that been taken care 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 nofices have gone to the State of Minnesota and to Ms. Agbaza The property is being maintained. Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative Hearing. Mr. Magner added that he would like the buiiding to be maintained and secured. He suggested the County advertise that the properry is a registered vacant building, and will require a code compliance inspection plus a$2,000 bond before permits aze issued to rehabilitate the property. Resotution 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 smmnary abatement notices have been issued to remove refuse, cut tall grass, secure the bui]ding, and remove snow from sidewalks. The vacant building fees are due. The taYes aze unpaid. Taacarion has placed a mazket value of $36,100 on this properiy. 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,OD0 to $7,000. Gerry Stratlunan recouunended approval of the assessment citing no one is present to take responsibility for the building, and the estimated cost to repair the property is close to its estimated market value. The meering was adjourned at 1 l:l l a.m. � �RIGINAL Presented Sy Referred To Council Flle # Q�-q 1 � Green Sheet # �D I�,aS RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA ys 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 ox 3 wrecking and removal of a one-story, single family wood frame dwelling located on properry hereinafter 4 refened to as the "Subject Properly" and commonly known as 1087 Ross Avenue. This property is 5 legally described as follows, to wit: 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Lot 18, Block 7, Terry's Addition to the City of Saint Paul, County of Runsey and State ofMuuiesota. WI�REAS, based upon the records in the Raznsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before December 16, 1998, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties fox the Subject Pxoperiy: Benjamin W. Cotten, 7x. & Sharon E. Treacy-Cotten, 1087 Ross Avenue , St. Paul, MN 55106-3938, Metro Housing Renovation, Inc., 3010 Hennepin Avenue South #243, Mpls., MN 55408; Advanta Mortgage Corp. USA, 16875 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127; James J. Tuzinski, Attorney at Law, Jeanette M. Tuzinski or William A. Erhart, 7050 Brooklyn Blvd., Mpls., MN 55429; Robert W. Fleming, Vice President of Intrastate Homecrafters Inc., P.O. Box 50707, Mendota, MN 55150, Re: 1087 Ross Avenue; WIIEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order idenrified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated Februaiy 23, 1999; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant 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 Properiy by March 25, 1999; and WI�REAS, 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 conected 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 WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have 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 qq-q t� 1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City 2 Council on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 to hear testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony 3 and evidence, made the recommendafion to approve the request to order the interested or responsible 4 parties to make the Subject Properry safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and 5 welfaze and remove its blighting influence on the community by xehabilitating this structute in 6 accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing 7 the structure ut accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of 8 the structure to be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 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 refexenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order conceming the Subject Property at 1087 Ross Avenue: That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. � �� That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three thousand dollazs ($3,000.00). That there now exists and has e�sted 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 corxect the deficiencies or 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 which 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, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this xesolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: L The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this stnxcture and conecting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and ardinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days aftex the date of the Council Hearing. �RIGINAL aq -°l �t� 2 2. If the above correcfive action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service 3 Office, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps aze necessary 4 to demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the 5 Subject Properry pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislafive Code. 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 � In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, a11 personal property ar fixri�res of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end ofthis tune period. If all personal property is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. It is further 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: Citi,en Service Offic �ode En rcement B • (/vv� Form Approved by City Attorney Adoption Certified by Council Secretary BY� 1 \\ C l. �—�.�o.�ra, � Approved by Mayor: Date r Z, l�� By: Ci'-U�/�Llil. / By: fi�� Approved b Mayor for Submission to Council � , /� ,// Adopted by Council: Date p�,� a.'a ��9 �l c 1 �t�t-91c� �� Warren R Bostrom 266-8439 xu�me wrt ROUfING TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE GREEN SHEET No 61'725 InItlaYGah InXisUOala �...,�.��.� �� ....«� ��„�«� ❑ ww�auaExncss�e ❑ wuxn�taErtv�accro � wrortlw�nsmnu+p� ❑ (CLJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATUR� City Council to pass tlus 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 1087 Ross Avenue. PLANNING CAMMISSION CIB CAMMIITEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION YES NO 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 1087 Ross Avenue by March 25, 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 build'utg(s). These costs will be assessed to the properry, Flas this Pag�rm everworked under a confract forthis tlepaAment'1 YES NO Nas Mie D��rm ever been a cilY emPbYee'! YES NO ooes mis ce�Nfiim poscecs a slan mc norma�yao�sessed M any curtem citr emWmree7 Is mis pe+soM'm a tarpetae vendW7 YES NO Yain all ves answals on senarate sheE A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. oFrwe+sacrrorr s $6,000 - $7,000 CAET/REVQ/UE BUD(iEfm (GRCLE ON� ves ) No ncTrvm NwaeEa � Nuisance Housing Abatement (��M REQJ3�Ch �*��f �� CPfIZIN SERVICE OFFICE Fred Owusu, Ciry Clerk Interested Party DIVLSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT W¢rren R Bostrom, ProAram ManaKer CTTY OF SAINT PAIJL Nuismue Building Code Enjorcement Norm Coleram; Mayor IS W. KelloggBlvd Rm I90 Saint Paut, MN 55102 � August 13, 1994 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and Members of the City Council Mort�a�ee Attomey Citizen Service Office, Vacant/Nuisance Buiidings 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: 1087 Ross Avenue The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings 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 Benjamin W. Cotten, 7r. & Shazon E. Treacy-Cotten 1087 Ross Avenue St. Paul, MN 55106-3938 Interest Fee Owner Metro Housing Renovation, Inc. 3010 Hennepin Avenue South #243 Mpls., MN 55408 Advanta Mortga�e Corp. USA 16875 West Bernardo Drive San Diego, CA 92I27 7ames 7. Tiizinski, Attomeyatlaw, 3eaneiteM. Tnzinskibr�V'-iIliam�.F fi050Bzooktyu�lvri. 1vlgls�, MN55429 �t°l- K1� Tel: 651-266-8440 Fax: 65I 2668426 Cout!C4S ��S�c.t�h P��nigr E.v : rf�; Attomey for Advanta 11�IorYga^ge Corp �lR -`l�� 1087 Ross Avenue Pa�e 2 August 13, 1999 Name and Last Known Address Interest Robert W. Fleming Mortgaaee Vice President of Intrastate Homecrafters Inc. P.O. Box 50707 Mendota, MN 55150 Re: 1087 Ross Avenue The legal description of ttus property is: Lot 18, Block 7, Terry's Addition to the City of Saint Paul, County of Ramsey and State ofMinnesota. Division of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Legislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by xazuig and removing this building(s). 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 properiy. 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 incuned against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same manner as taxes. Sincerely, A- � /� �� Steve Magner V acant Buildings Supervisor Division of Code Enforcement Citizen Service Office '+�►�R�.11 cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspecfion and Design Rachei Young, City Attomeys Office Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccazd, Fire Mazshall Paul Mordorski, PED-I3ousingDivision «pb �q -°�lb REPORT [�J�Ze� ��/ .�i�71�L� Date: September 7, 1999 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Keilogg Boulevazd Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer 1. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Councff meeting of 8/4/99) Gerry Sirathman recommended reducing the assessment to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $125. 2. Summary Abatements: File J9905A Property ciean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999 File J9905C Demolirion 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 Kennazd Street (File 39905C) Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment. 1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathman recommended reducing the labor charge by half, making it $315 for labor, leaving the 6 yazd disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total assessment of $463. 942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A) Gersy Strathman recommended deleting the assessment. 430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathxnan recommended approving the assessment. 599 Pavne Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. �g-`i�� LEGISLATIVE 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 owaer 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. � �i�t ' °� �� MINUTES OF TI� 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 am. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant buiiding at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Councii meeting of 8/4199) Jessica Martin stated she received an assessment for boazding up a vacant building; however, the building was not vacant. There was a burglary in April, the burglars 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 chazge 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 property. (Mr. Willits presented paperwork.) Mr. Strathman explained when the police or fire aze called to an emergency situation, they aze not allowed to leave the property unsecured. The City has a contractor that will come when called, and secure the property so the police and fire personnel can leaue. The terms of the agreement is that the conh�actor will be paid $200 per trip. Once the company is at the properry, there is an additional fee for securing the properiy. Mr. Strathman stated these aze usually not contested because ihey aze covered by insurance. Ms. Martin responded this is the second burglary and the insurance company is not paying anymore. Gerry Strathman recommended the assessment be reduced to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee, which bzings the assessment to a total of $125. Summary Abatements: File J9905A Property clean-up andlor 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 5SA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs alq-S�i� 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 eaterminators come to her house to give her suggestions to clear up ttris problem. She spent hundreds of doilazs trying to get rid of the rats. She called several City offices for help, and they told her to call an e�erminator. One exterminator 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 sfill came into her home. Ms. Thraen called her City council member who got her in touch with Chuck Votel. He came out with a sewer contractor, who observed there were rats in the house. They found there were multiple breaks in the sewer line. T'he contractor suggested the entire sewer pipe be replaced from the main all 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 toid to finish the project and worry about paying for it later. It ended up being three rimes more than it was quoted. Since then, there is no rat problem. If this assessment is put on her ta�ces she will not be able to live there. Bobbi Levitan, Ramsey County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, appeazed 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 eacterniinators. 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 contractar 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 d'uection that she could not afford the fee, it was Mr. Votel's 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 retaiving wall, sidewallc, and some other things. The original estimate was $3,000, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Thraen responded $3,600 has been paid. Mr. SiraUunan recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40 service chazge, which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606. The City policy is cleaz on this issue: properry owners aze responsible for the sewer line on their property. In view of the fact that Ms. Thraen operated in accordance with the advice given by City officials, and given Mr. Votel's °l°l-`1�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 3 determination that this was a public safety issue, these two things can be taken into consideration in mitigating this case. 995 Kennard Street (File J9905C) Jean Osteraas, owner, appeared and stated she purchased tlus house at the tas forfeit auction in April. There was a small Quonset (hut) on that properiy. 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. Ostezaas showed picture of her plans to Mr. Strathman.) Ms. Osteraas was told by someone from the tax 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 would 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 demolition.' The bill far the demolition is for $3,000. Ms. Osteraas went to Ciry 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 7une, 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 awaze 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 having 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 explained the properiy was pending demolition. Any tax forfeited assessment is paid by the City and not the County. State law says the City pays all assessments on tax forfeited properry. 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. o�c�_� t4 LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A) Page 4 Michele Cooper, owner, appeared 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 year, there was a lazge tree limb in her yard. She came home one day, the lawn was cieaned, and she recenfly got an assessment. The City had to undue her fence and there were tire ruts in her yard. Ms. Cooper is not contesting that the work was done, but wonders if it really had to cost that much. Guy VJillits 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. StraUunan.) The bill reads 6 yazds (dumpster) for $108, 1'/� hours of grass for $210, and two hours for $420, stated Mr. Strathman. He asked what the 1'/z 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'/s hours to cut the grass because her lawn is not big. Gerry Strathman recommended reducing by half the labor chazge, 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 caze of the lauvn than for the City to do it. 942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A) Guy Willits reported two inspectors were at this properiy, each with a different compliance date. In between the two compliance dates, the City went out and abated the property. Mr. Wiilits asked for it to be deleted. CTerry Strathman recommended deleting the assessment. 430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A) No one appeazed. Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. 599 Paune Avenue (File J9905A) No one appeazed. Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. c�q -q t4 LEGISLATIVE YEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 5 Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 AQate Street. If the owner faiLs to comply with the resolntion, 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 Minnesota 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 taxes are paid. The estimated market 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 Stratluuan.) Mr. Strathman stated he is unclear about the ownership. Mr. Magner responded the properry was purchased from the State of Minnesota tas exempt for a contract for deed. Joy Agbaza was listed as the owner, but has been removed. However, Code Enforcement recognizes Joy Agbaza as the owner of the properiy. Joy Agbaza appeazed 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 Christine Kujala, who told her the $1,700 left was the properry tax. Ms. Agbara paid another $500 with some remaining to pay. She paid a man $8,000 to fix the house. He took the addirion 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 taldng the house. She told them she did not receive any other conespondence from them. They said they gaue something to Ms. Agbaza's daughter, and it is not their fault that her daughter did not inform her. Gerry Strathxnan asked is it vacant now. Ms. Agbaza responded yes. Chris Kujala, Ramsey County TaY Forfeited Land Department, appeared and stated Ms. Agbaza entered into a contract agreement with her office and purchased the properry at an auction in 1997. There was installment and interest payments that accrues on the unpaid balance of the contract. Ms. Agbaza was prepared 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. Strathman 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 Attomey's Office. They have served Ms. Agbara 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. Agbaza. The owner's attomey and the Ramsey County attorney are in a litigation mode right now. aq•qi� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 6 Does Ramsey County intend to intervene in the demolition, asked Mr. Stratbman. Ms. Kuj ala responded yes because there is an auction on 10-28-99_ Paperwork has been sent to change the records back to State ofMinnesota. Mr. Strathman stated the photographs dated 5-19-99 show the yazd full of refuse and asked has that been taken care 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 nofices have gone to the State of Minnesota and to Ms. Agbaza The property is being maintained. Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative Hearing. Mr. Magner added that he would like the buiiding to be maintained and secured. He suggested the County advertise that the properry is a registered vacant building, and will require a code compliance inspection plus a$2,000 bond before permits aze issued to rehabilitate the property. Resotution 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 smmnary abatement notices have been issued to remove refuse, cut tall grass, secure the bui]ding, and remove snow from sidewalks. The vacant building fees are due. The taYes aze unpaid. Taacarion has placed a mazket value of $36,100 on this properiy. 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,OD0 to $7,000. Gerry Stratlunan recouunended approval of the assessment citing no one is present to take responsibility for the building, and the estimated cost to repair the property is close to its estimated market value. The meering was adjourned at 1 l:l l a.m. � �RIGINAL Presented Sy Referred To Council Flle # Q�-q 1 � Green Sheet # �D I�,aS RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA ys 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 ox 3 wrecking and removal of a one-story, single family wood frame dwelling located on properry hereinafter 4 refened to as the "Subject Properly" and commonly known as 1087 Ross Avenue. This property is 5 legally described as follows, to wit: 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Lot 18, Block 7, Terry's Addition to the City of Saint Paul, County of Runsey and State ofMuuiesota. WI�REAS, based upon the records in the Raznsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before December 16, 1998, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties fox the Subject Pxoperiy: Benjamin W. Cotten, 7x. & Sharon E. Treacy-Cotten, 1087 Ross Avenue , St. Paul, MN 55106-3938, Metro Housing Renovation, Inc., 3010 Hennepin Avenue South #243, Mpls., MN 55408; Advanta Mortgage Corp. USA, 16875 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127; James J. Tuzinski, Attorney at Law, Jeanette M. Tuzinski or William A. Erhart, 7050 Brooklyn Blvd., Mpls., MN 55429; Robert W. Fleming, Vice President of Intrastate Homecrafters Inc., P.O. Box 50707, Mendota, MN 55150, Re: 1087 Ross Avenue; WIIEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order idenrified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated Februaiy 23, 1999; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant 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 Properiy by March 25, 1999; and WI�REAS, 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 conected 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 WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have 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 qq-q t� 1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City 2 Council on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 to hear testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony 3 and evidence, made the recommendafion to approve the request to order the interested or responsible 4 parties to make the Subject Properry safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and 5 welfaze and remove its blighting influence on the community by xehabilitating this structute in 6 accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing 7 the structure ut accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of 8 the structure to be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 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 refexenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order conceming the Subject Property at 1087 Ross Avenue: That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. � �� That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three thousand dollazs ($3,000.00). That there now exists and has e�sted 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 corxect the deficiencies or 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 which 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, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this xesolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: L The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this stnxcture and conecting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and ardinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days aftex the date of the Council Hearing. �RIGINAL aq -°l �t� 2 2. If the above correcfive action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service 3 Office, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps aze necessary 4 to demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the 5 Subject Properry pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislafive Code. 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 � In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, a11 personal property ar fixri�res of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end ofthis tune period. If all personal property is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. It is further 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: Citi,en Service Offic �ode En rcement B • (/vv� Form Approved by City Attorney Adoption Certified by Council Secretary BY� 1 \\ C l. �—�.�o.�ra, � Approved by Mayor: Date r Z, l�� By: Ci'-U�/�Llil. / By: fi�� Approved b Mayor for Submission to Council � , /� ,// Adopted by Council: Date p�,� a.'a ��9 �l c 1 �t�t-91c� �� Warren R Bostrom 266-8439 xu�me wrt ROUfING TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE GREEN SHEET No 61'725 InItlaYGah InXisUOala �...,�.��.� �� ....«� ��„�«� ❑ ww�auaExncss�e ❑ wuxn�taErtv�accro � wrortlw�nsmnu+p� ❑ (CLJP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATUR� City Council to pass tlus 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 1087 Ross Avenue. PLANNING CAMMISSION CIB CAMMIITEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION YES NO 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 1087 Ross Avenue by March 25, 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 build'utg(s). These costs will be assessed to the properry, Flas this Pag�rm everworked under a confract forthis tlepaAment'1 YES NO Nas Mie D��rm ever been a cilY emPbYee'! YES NO ooes mis ce�Nfiim poscecs a slan mc norma�yao�sessed M any curtem citr emWmree7 Is mis pe+soM'm a tarpetae vendW7 YES NO Yain all ves answals on senarate sheE A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. oFrwe+sacrrorr s $6,000 - $7,000 CAET/REVQ/UE BUD(iEfm (GRCLE ON� ves ) No ncTrvm NwaeEa � Nuisance Housing Abatement (��M REQJ3�Ch �*��f �� CPfIZIN SERVICE OFFICE Fred Owusu, Ciry Clerk Interested Party DIVLSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT W¢rren R Bostrom, ProAram ManaKer CTTY OF SAINT PAIJL Nuismue Building Code Enjorcement Norm Coleram; Mayor IS W. KelloggBlvd Rm I90 Saint Paut, MN 55102 � August 13, 1994 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and Members of the City Council Mort�a�ee Attomey Citizen Service Office, Vacant/Nuisance Buiidings 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: 1087 Ross Avenue The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings 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 Benjamin W. Cotten, 7r. & Shazon E. Treacy-Cotten 1087 Ross Avenue St. Paul, MN 55106-3938 Interest Fee Owner Metro Housing Renovation, Inc. 3010 Hennepin Avenue South #243 Mpls., MN 55408 Advanta Mortga�e Corp. USA 16875 West Bernardo Drive San Diego, CA 92I27 7ames 7. Tiizinski, Attomeyatlaw, 3eaneiteM. Tnzinskibr�V'-iIliam�.F fi050Bzooktyu�lvri. 1vlgls�, MN55429 �t°l- K1� Tel: 651-266-8440 Fax: 65I 2668426 Cout!C4S ��S�c.t�h P��nigr E.v : rf�; Attomey for Advanta 11�IorYga^ge Corp �lR -`l�� 1087 Ross Avenue Pa�e 2 August 13, 1999 Name and Last Known Address Interest Robert W. Fleming Mortgaaee Vice President of Intrastate Homecrafters Inc. P.O. Box 50707 Mendota, MN 55150 Re: 1087 Ross Avenue The legal description of ttus property is: Lot 18, Block 7, Terry's Addition to the City of Saint Paul, County of Ramsey and State ofMinnesota. Division of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Legislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by xazuig and removing this building(s). 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 properiy. 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 incuned against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same manner as taxes. Sincerely, A- � /� �� Steve Magner V acant Buildings Supervisor Division of Code Enforcement Citizen Service Office '+�►�R�.11 cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspecfion and Design Rachei Young, City Attomeys Office Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccazd, Fire Mazshall Paul Mordorski, PED-I3ousingDivision «pb �q -°�lb REPORT [�J�Ze� ��/ .�i�71�L� Date: September 7, 1999 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Keilogg Boulevazd Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer 1. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant building at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Councff meeting of 8/4/99) Gerry Sirathman recommended reducing the assessment to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee, which brings the assessment to a total of $125. 2. Summary Abatements: File J9905A Property ciean-up and/or grass cutting during June 1999 File J9905C Demolirion 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 Kennazd Street (File 39905C) Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the assessment. 1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathman recommended reducing the labor charge by half, making it $315 for labor, leaving the 6 yazd disposal fee at $108, plus the $40 administrative fee, for a total assessment of $463. 942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A) Gersy Strathman recommended deleting the assessment. 430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathxnan recommended approving the assessment. 599 Pavne Avenue (File J9905A) Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. �g-`i�� LEGISLATIVE 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 owaer 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. � �i�t ' °� �� MINUTES OF TI� 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 am. Summary Abatement: Boarding up of vacant buiiding at 600 Seventh Street West, Jessica Martin. (J9904B) (Per City Councii meeting of 8/4199) Jessica Martin stated she received an assessment for boazding up a vacant building; however, the building was not vacant. There was a burglary in April, the burglars 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 chazge 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 property. (Mr. Willits presented paperwork.) Mr. Strathman explained when the police or fire aze called to an emergency situation, they aze not allowed to leave the property unsecured. The City has a contractor that will come when called, and secure the property so the police and fire personnel can leaue. The terms of the agreement is that the conh�actor will be paid $200 per trip. Once the company is at the properry, there is an additional fee for securing the properiy. Mr. Strathman stated these aze usually not contested because ihey aze covered by insurance. Ms. Martin responded this is the second burglary and the insurance company is not paying anymore. Gerry Strathman recommended the assessment be reduced to $85 plus the $40 administrative fee, which bzings the assessment to a total of $125. Summary Abatements: File J9905A Property clean-up andlor 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 5SA9901 Sanitary sewer service repairs alq-S�i� 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 eaterminators come to her house to give her suggestions to clear up ttris problem. She spent hundreds of doilazs trying to get rid of the rats. She called several City offices for help, and they told her to call an e�erminator. One exterminator 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 sfill came into her home. Ms. Thraen called her City council member who got her in touch with Chuck Votel. He came out with a sewer contractor, who observed there were rats in the house. They found there were multiple breaks in the sewer line. T'he contractor suggested the entire sewer pipe be replaced from the main all 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 toid to finish the project and worry about paying for it later. It ended up being three rimes more than it was quoted. Since then, there is no rat problem. If this assessment is put on her ta�ces she will not be able to live there. Bobbi Levitan, Ramsey County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program, appeazed 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 eacterniinators. 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 contractar 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 d'uection that she could not afford the fee, it was Mr. Votel's 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 retaiving wall, sidewallc, and some other things. The original estimate was $3,000, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Thraen responded $3,600 has been paid. Mr. SiraUunan recommended reducing the assessment to $3,566 plus the $40 service chazge, which brings the assessment to a total of $3,606. The City policy is cleaz on this issue: properry owners aze responsible for the sewer line on their property. In view of the fact that Ms. Thraen operated in accordance with the advice given by City officials, and given Mr. Votel's °l°l-`1�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 3 determination that this was a public safety issue, these two things can be taken into consideration in mitigating this case. 995 Kennard Street (File J9905C) Jean Osteraas, owner, appeared and stated she purchased tlus house at the tas forfeit auction in April. There was a small Quonset (hut) on that properiy. 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. Ostezaas showed picture of her plans to Mr. Strathman.) Ms. Osteraas was told by someone from the tax 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 would 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 demolition.' The bill far the demolition is for $3,000. Ms. Osteraas went to Ciry 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 7une, 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 awaze 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 having 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 explained the properiy was pending demolition. Any tax forfeited assessment is paid by the City and not the County. State law says the City pays all assessments on tax forfeited properry. 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. o�c�_� t4 LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 1790 Wordsworth Avenue (File J9905A) Page 4 Michele Cooper, owner, appeared 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 year, there was a lazge tree limb in her yard. She came home one day, the lawn was cieaned, and she recenfly got an assessment. The City had to undue her fence and there were tire ruts in her yard. Ms. Cooper is not contesting that the work was done, but wonders if it really had to cost that much. Guy VJillits 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. StraUunan.) The bill reads 6 yazds (dumpster) for $108, 1'/� hours of grass for $210, and two hours for $420, stated Mr. Strathman. He asked what the 1'/z 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'/s hours to cut the grass because her lawn is not big. Gerry Strathman recommended reducing by half the labor chazge, 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 caze of the lauvn than for the City to do it. 942 Carroll Avenue (File J9905A) Guy Willits reported two inspectors were at this properiy, each with a different compliance date. In between the two compliance dates, the City went out and abated the property. Mr. Wiilits asked for it to be deleted. CTerry Strathman recommended deleting the assessment. 430-434 Case Avenue (File J9905A) No one appeazed. Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. 599 Paune Avenue (File J9905A) No one appeazed. Gerry Strathman recommended approving the assessment. c�q -q t4 LEGISLATIVE YEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 5 Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 805 AQate Street. If the owner faiLs to comply with the resolntion, 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 Minnesota 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 taxes are paid. The estimated market 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 Stratluuan.) Mr. Strathman stated he is unclear about the ownership. Mr. Magner responded the properry was purchased from the State of Minnesota tas exempt for a contract for deed. Joy Agbaza was listed as the owner, but has been removed. However, Code Enforcement recognizes Joy Agbaza as the owner of the properiy. Joy Agbaza appeazed 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 Christine Kujala, who told her the $1,700 left was the properry tax. Ms. Agbara paid another $500 with some remaining to pay. She paid a man $8,000 to fix the house. He took the addirion 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 taldng the house. She told them she did not receive any other conespondence from them. They said they gaue something to Ms. Agbaza's daughter, and it is not their fault that her daughter did not inform her. Gerry Strathxnan asked is it vacant now. Ms. Agbaza responded yes. Chris Kujala, Ramsey County TaY Forfeited Land Department, appeared and stated Ms. Agbaza entered into a contract agreement with her office and purchased the properry at an auction in 1997. There was installment and interest payments that accrues on the unpaid balance of the contract. Ms. Agbaza was prepared 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. Strathman 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 Attomey's Office. They have served Ms. Agbara 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. Agbaza. The owner's attomey and the Ramsey County attorney are in a litigation mode right now. aq•qi� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF 9-7-99 Page 6 Does Ramsey County intend to intervene in the demolition, asked Mr. Stratbman. Ms. Kuj ala responded yes because there is an auction on 10-28-99_ Paperwork has been sent to change the records back to State ofMinnesota. Mr. Strathman stated the photographs dated 5-19-99 show the yazd full of refuse and asked has that been taken care 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 nofices have gone to the State of Minnesota and to Ms. Agbaza The property is being maintained. Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the November 2, 1999, Legislative Hearing. Mr. Magner added that he would like the buiiding to be maintained and secured. He suggested the County advertise that the properry is a registered vacant building, and will require a code compliance inspection plus a$2,000 bond before permits aze issued to rehabilitate the property. Resotution 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 smmnary abatement notices have been issued to remove refuse, cut tall grass, secure the bui]ding, and remove snow from sidewalks. The vacant building fees are due. The taYes aze unpaid. Taacarion has placed a mazket value of $36,100 on this properiy. 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,OD0 to $7,000. Gerry Stratlunan recouunended approval of the assessment citing no one is present to take responsibility for the building, and the estimated cost to repair the property is close to its estimated market value. The meering was adjourned at 1 l:l l a.m. �