00-1924��G11�A�
Presented
�
Council File # O� 1 1.
Green Sheet # 100403
RESOLUTION
OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
�
Referred To Committee Date
BE TT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the February 22,
2000, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Properry Code Enforcement Appeals for the following
address:
• �. • ��-. -.
Ap�ellant
1533 St. Paul Avenue #11
Decision: The Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate will be li8ed on the following conditions: 1) An
inspection will be done by Februaiy 29, 2000 at 1533 St. Paul Avenue #1 l. Frank Young will make the
arrangements for he, a social worker, and Carl Comparoni to meet at the apartment for this inspection; 2) Mr.
Comparoni will inform Mr. Young and the social worker what specifically needs to be done; 3) At the
inspection, Mr. Compazoni will give a written list to Mr. Young of what needs to be done; 4) Mr. Comparoni
will set a new compliance date and this date will be at his discretion. If the apartment is brought into
compliance, this matter will be closed. If the apartment is not brought into compliance by the specified date,
another condemnation order may be issued.
Yeas Nays Absent
B1akeY �
Coleman �
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom ✓
Lantry i /
O
Adopted by Council: Date �, \ �-�
Adoption
By:
Approved
! 3'�
Requested by Department oE
�
Form Approved by City Attorney
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
00 -�qa-
City Council 0£fices
Gerry Strathman, 266-8560
February 23,
GREEN SHEET
wr�r owFCroie
No � � � �"-�: 0 3
March 1, 2000
xureeeFOrt
ROIITYIG
OROFJt
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
❑ alr�na�eEr ❑ arvp.wt _
❑ w+rHCw�aoeu�sow. ❑ wuxpumnn�ccro
� Mlpt(OItYOTNii) ❑
(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement
Appeals for 1533 St. Paul Avenue, Unit 11.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB CAMMfTTEE
CIVIL SERVICE CAMMISSION
Hea uuc pe�saNfi�m erer vrorkea under aconaact r«tnia aepa�anemx
YES NO
Has ihia V��m ever 6een a cdY empbyee'!
vE5 NO
�oes ihis Y��m poseecs a sldll not namailyC�ssed bY anY curteM oitY emWm/ee7
VES IVG
Isthis P�rm atargeted venEOYt
YR NO
dein all ves arawew on aeoara[e sheet and attach to nreen aheek
G�'�b:�� �',�� F"t,��uA�24�0.�:t 6�te��d�
. ) ' � ��' � ...'.
COET/itEVENUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON�
YES NO
SOURCE NCTVfSY Nt9M66R
�v
�.
NOTES OF T'I� SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
Tuesday, Febniary 22, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Heating Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Cazl Compazoni, Fire Prevention
The meeting was called to order at 131 p.m.
1533 St. Paul Avenue. Unit 11
Gerry Strathxnan e�cplained that this meeting is being held to heaz an appeal from Frank Young to
a Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate froin the Fire Department on 1533 St. Paul
Avenue #11 as being unfit for human habitation.
Frank Young, tenant and appellant, appeazed and read from a letter that he prepared. His main
points aze as follows: 1} The aparfinent is not unfit for human habitation. The proper fifle
would be Notice to Vacate, Non Compliance with Fire Regulations. 2) This is short notice and a
rush to judgement. Mr. Young returned late one night and saw the inspection notice. The next
morning, came the inspection. The following day was the condemnation notice. Things are
always a mess on short notice. A resource person cannot come to help tidy, advocate, and
witness in such a short time span. If someone could give an reinspection the next morning, items
could be removed quickly. 3) Posifive factors have been ignored, such as a non hazardous
lifestyle, no smoking, no drugs, no weapons, na fires or emetgencies in his life. He is serious
about fire safety. 4) There is a lack of specificity. Things should be spelled out in writing so
that Mr. Young knows exactly what will satisfy an inspection, such as what combustibles
include, and what a clear path requires. 5) There was no prior warning ar previous complaint on
blockage.
Mr. Young stated the condemnation notice serves as undeserved punishment and unwarranted
feaz. He stated he suffers from an illness.
Carl Comparoni reported that on approxnnately January 12 to 14, he sent a letter to Dauern Park
Apartments that he will be coming out to inspect the entire complex on February 9 and 10.
There are 16 units. On Februaiy 9, he went to the complex and met Mike Voss. This is a 16 unit
building. At Unit 11, Mr. Comparoni could only open the door about halfway. The kitchen
window and living room windows were stacked four feet out and four feet deep with boxes,
calendars, magazines, and papers. The kitchen is a wrap around type and has two means of
egress. A person could enter the ldtchen from the main hallway. Once in the kitchen, the only
means of egress was to go back down the hallway. A person could not circle around because of
the amount of collectibles. The bedroom has the same concerns: combustibles were blocking
the window.
It is your view that it would not be possible for Mr. Young to egress through the windows, asked
Mr. Strathman. NIr. Compazoni responded yes and the door also creates a problem. Boxes
behind the door were preventing it from being open. He tried to explain to Mr. Young that there
eU -\°lZ
SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETTNG NOTES, 2-22-2000 Page 2
needed to be three feet of clearauce, but Mr. Young felt he could get to the windows. Mr.
Comparoni told Mr. Young that he would be back sometime in March to reinspect the apartment.
Mr. Comparoni stated he grew more concerned about the many items in the apamnent. He
thought in the best interest of safety, he would condemn the building. He went back on Februasy
10 to inspect the rest of the complex. At that time, he told Mr. Young he was going to condemn
the unit and the condemnation date was Febraaty 29. He told Mr. Young he would work with
him, and if progress was being made, the condemnation would be lifted and Mr. Comparoni
would return on Mazch 28 to reinspect the entire complex and Apartment 11. If the apartment
was in the same condition on Mazch 28, it would be condexnned again.
Noticing a violation, telling the property owner it has to be conected, and laying out a schedule
when it should be done is a customary process, stated Mr. Strathman. Issuing a condemnation
order on the second visit is not customary. He asked what prompted him to issue a
condemnation order instead of working towazds compliance with Mr. Young. Mr. Comparoni
responded the amount of collectibles presented an immediate hazazd. He felt that he was giving
Mr. Young too much time to comply.
Mr. Strathxnan asked did Mike Voss haue anything to add. Mr. Voss responded he did not.
Mr. Strathman asked is Mr. Compazoni's account factually accurate as faz as what he did and
what he said. Mr. Young replied he did not agree that there was only one way to get out of the
kitchen both sides. He admits there was a litter problem, and he was getting to the point where
he could do something about it. If the inspector had said he would come back tomorrow and
would expect some things to be cleazed right away, that could be done. The items by the door
were rivo crates that could have easily been moved away. There aze some things that are
blocking three foot access from the front to the rear, but Mr Young can maintain access. It does
not involve moving that much. A heavy cabinet is an issue, but he would gladly get rid of it. It's
just a question of getting people to move it out of there. The urgency of the matter is not evident.
NIr. Young alluded to suffering from an illness, stated Mr. Strathman. He asked are there
resources to get the apartment to a safe condition. Mr. Young responded the problem is the fear
inflicted on him that has made it difficult to do the work he has been asked to do; however, it is
not beyond him to do this.
How long would it take to return the apariment to a safe condition, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr.
Young responded the problem is a lack of specificity as to what needs to be done. Mr. Strathman
asked if Mr. Comparoni or another inspector came to the unit and described what needs to be
done, would that address the need for more information. Mr. Young replied what they would
requu�e would make a big difference as to what he could do.
Mr. Strathman asked does he think Mr. Young can bring his apartment into compliance in a
reasonable period of time. Mr. Compazoni replied if Mr. Young uses the resources available to
him.
OU-\�tZ
SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES, 2-22-2000 Page 3
Was Mr. Young receptive to hearing what needs to be done or was he unable to understand,
asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Compazoni replied comprehension may have been a problem.
Mr. Strathman asked would it be possible to arrange for an advocate to be present during another
inspection to work with him after the inspector left. Mr. Young responded he hopes so, but it is
always a question of schedules. Mr. Comparoni added that two social workers informed him
they were denied access to the apartment. Mr. Young replied he did not thiuk he was denying
them access, and they did not tell him they thought anyfliiug of the kind. He does have concems
about things being thrown around.
Would it be possible to return to the apartment with a social worker present to explain concerns,
asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Compazoni responded he is more than willing to do that.
Mr. Strathman asked would he be willing to make arrangements with Mr. Comparoni and one of
the social workers to discuss what needs to be done. Mr. Young responded he would like the
items in writing, and Mr. Comparoni responded he could do that.
Mr. Strathman stated someone needs to take responsibility for setting another inspection date and
contacting a social worker. He asked did Mr. Comparoni have a telephone number for the social
workers. Mr. Comparoni responded no. In that case, stated Mr. Strathman, Mr. Young will have
to take the responsibility of contacting a social worker plus contacting Mr. Compazoni to arrange
for an inspection by the end of this month. Mr. Strathman urged Mr. Compazoni to make a
special effort to fit this inspection into his schedule.
Mr. Young stated he would like someone else to do the inspection. Mr. Strathman replied he
will not make that decision and will assuxne Mr. Compazoni will be the inspector. (NIr.
Comparoni gave Mr. Young his business card.)
ff Mr. Young is confused about the arrangements, Mr. Voss can help him, stated Mr. Strathman.
Gerry Strathman stated the Notice of Condexnnation and Order to Vacate will be lifted on the
following conditions: 1) An inspection will be done by February 29, 2000 at 1533 St. Paul
Avenue #11. Frank Young will make the arrangements for himself, a social worker, and Cazl
Comparoni to meet at the apartment for this inspection; 2) Mr. Compazoni will inform Mr.
Young and the social worker what specifically needs to be done; 3) At the inspection, Mr.
Compazoni will give a written list to Mr. Young of what needs to be done; 4) Mr. Compazoni
will set a new compliance date and this date will be at his discretion. If the apartment is brought
into compliance, this matter will be closed. If the apartment is not brought into compliance by
the specified date, another condemnation order may be issued.
The mee6ng was adjourned at 2:13 p.m.
rrn
4��G11�A�
Presented
�
Council File # O� 1 1.
Green Sheet # 100403
RESOLUTION
OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
�
Referred To Committee Date
BE TT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the February 22,
2000, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Properry Code Enforcement Appeals for the following
address:
• �. • ��-. -.
Ap�ellant
1533 St. Paul Avenue #11
Decision: The Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate will be li8ed on the following conditions: 1) An
inspection will be done by Februaiy 29, 2000 at 1533 St. Paul Avenue #1 l. Frank Young will make the
arrangements for he, a social worker, and Carl Comparoni to meet at the apartment for this inspection; 2) Mr.
Comparoni will inform Mr. Young and the social worker what specifically needs to be done; 3) At the
inspection, Mr. Compazoni will give a written list to Mr. Young of what needs to be done; 4) Mr. Comparoni
will set a new compliance date and this date will be at his discretion. If the apartment is brought into
compliance, this matter will be closed. If the apartment is not brought into compliance by the specified date,
another condemnation order may be issued.
Yeas Nays Absent
B1akeY �
Coleman �
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom ✓
Lantry i /
O
Adopted by Council: Date �, \ �-�
Adoption
By:
Approved
! 3'�
Requested by Department oE
�
Form Approved by City Attorney
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
00 -�qa-
City Council 0£fices
Gerry Strathman, 266-8560
February 23,
GREEN SHEET
wr�r owFCroie
No � � � �"-�: 0 3
March 1, 2000
xureeeFOrt
ROIITYIG
OROFJt
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
❑ alr�na�eEr ❑ arvp.wt _
❑ w+rHCw�aoeu�sow. ❑ wuxpumnn�ccro
� Mlpt(OItYOTNii) ❑
(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement
Appeals for 1533 St. Paul Avenue, Unit 11.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB CAMMfTTEE
CIVIL SERVICE CAMMISSION
Hea uuc pe�saNfi�m erer vrorkea under aconaact r«tnia aepa�anemx
YES NO
Has ihia V��m ever 6een a cdY empbyee'!
vE5 NO
�oes ihis Y��m poseecs a sldll not namailyC�ssed bY anY curteM oitY emWm/ee7
VES IVG
Isthis P�rm atargeted venEOYt
YR NO
dein all ves arawew on aeoara[e sheet and attach to nreen aheek
G�'�b:�� �',�� F"t,��uA�24�0.�:t 6�te��d�
. ) ' � ��' � ...'.
COET/itEVENUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON�
YES NO
SOURCE NCTVfSY Nt9M66R
�v
�.
NOTES OF T'I� SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
Tuesday, Febniary 22, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Heating Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Cazl Compazoni, Fire Prevention
The meeting was called to order at 131 p.m.
1533 St. Paul Avenue. Unit 11
Gerry Strathxnan e�cplained that this meeting is being held to heaz an appeal from Frank Young to
a Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate froin the Fire Department on 1533 St. Paul
Avenue #11 as being unfit for human habitation.
Frank Young, tenant and appellant, appeazed and read from a letter that he prepared. His main
points aze as follows: 1} The aparfinent is not unfit for human habitation. The proper fifle
would be Notice to Vacate, Non Compliance with Fire Regulations. 2) This is short notice and a
rush to judgement. Mr. Young returned late one night and saw the inspection notice. The next
morning, came the inspection. The following day was the condemnation notice. Things are
always a mess on short notice. A resource person cannot come to help tidy, advocate, and
witness in such a short time span. If someone could give an reinspection the next morning, items
could be removed quickly. 3) Posifive factors have been ignored, such as a non hazardous
lifestyle, no smoking, no drugs, no weapons, na fires or emetgencies in his life. He is serious
about fire safety. 4) There is a lack of specificity. Things should be spelled out in writing so
that Mr. Young knows exactly what will satisfy an inspection, such as what combustibles
include, and what a clear path requires. 5) There was no prior warning ar previous complaint on
blockage.
Mr. Young stated the condemnation notice serves as undeserved punishment and unwarranted
feaz. He stated he suffers from an illness.
Carl Comparoni reported that on approxnnately January 12 to 14, he sent a letter to Dauern Park
Apartments that he will be coming out to inspect the entire complex on February 9 and 10.
There are 16 units. On Februaiy 9, he went to the complex and met Mike Voss. This is a 16 unit
building. At Unit 11, Mr. Comparoni could only open the door about halfway. The kitchen
window and living room windows were stacked four feet out and four feet deep with boxes,
calendars, magazines, and papers. The kitchen is a wrap around type and has two means of
egress. A person could enter the ldtchen from the main hallway. Once in the kitchen, the only
means of egress was to go back down the hallway. A person could not circle around because of
the amount of collectibles. The bedroom has the same concerns: combustibles were blocking
the window.
It is your view that it would not be possible for Mr. Young to egress through the windows, asked
Mr. Strathman. NIr. Compazoni responded yes and the door also creates a problem. Boxes
behind the door were preventing it from being open. He tried to explain to Mr. Young that there
eU -\°lZ
SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETTNG NOTES, 2-22-2000 Page 2
needed to be three feet of clearauce, but Mr. Young felt he could get to the windows. Mr.
Comparoni told Mr. Young that he would be back sometime in March to reinspect the apartment.
Mr. Comparoni stated he grew more concerned about the many items in the apamnent. He
thought in the best interest of safety, he would condemn the building. He went back on Februasy
10 to inspect the rest of the complex. At that time, he told Mr. Young he was going to condemn
the unit and the condemnation date was Febraaty 29. He told Mr. Young he would work with
him, and if progress was being made, the condemnation would be lifted and Mr. Comparoni
would return on Mazch 28 to reinspect the entire complex and Apartment 11. If the apartment
was in the same condition on Mazch 28, it would be condexnned again.
Noticing a violation, telling the property owner it has to be conected, and laying out a schedule
when it should be done is a customary process, stated Mr. Strathman. Issuing a condemnation
order on the second visit is not customary. He asked what prompted him to issue a
condemnation order instead of working towazds compliance with Mr. Young. Mr. Comparoni
responded the amount of collectibles presented an immediate hazazd. He felt that he was giving
Mr. Young too much time to comply.
Mr. Strathxnan asked did Mike Voss haue anything to add. Mr. Voss responded he did not.
Mr. Strathman asked is Mr. Compazoni's account factually accurate as faz as what he did and
what he said. Mr. Young replied he did not agree that there was only one way to get out of the
kitchen both sides. He admits there was a litter problem, and he was getting to the point where
he could do something about it. If the inspector had said he would come back tomorrow and
would expect some things to be cleazed right away, that could be done. The items by the door
were rivo crates that could have easily been moved away. There aze some things that are
blocking three foot access from the front to the rear, but Mr Young can maintain access. It does
not involve moving that much. A heavy cabinet is an issue, but he would gladly get rid of it. It's
just a question of getting people to move it out of there. The urgency of the matter is not evident.
NIr. Young alluded to suffering from an illness, stated Mr. Strathman. He asked are there
resources to get the apartment to a safe condition. Mr. Young responded the problem is the fear
inflicted on him that has made it difficult to do the work he has been asked to do; however, it is
not beyond him to do this.
How long would it take to return the apariment to a safe condition, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr.
Young responded the problem is a lack of specificity as to what needs to be done. Mr. Strathman
asked if Mr. Comparoni or another inspector came to the unit and described what needs to be
done, would that address the need for more information. Mr. Young replied what they would
requu�e would make a big difference as to what he could do.
Mr. Strathman asked does he think Mr. Young can bring his apartment into compliance in a
reasonable period of time. Mr. Compazoni replied if Mr. Young uses the resources available to
him.
OU-\�tZ
SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING NOTES, 2-22-2000 Page 3
Was Mr. Young receptive to hearing what needs to be done or was he unable to understand,
asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Compazoni replied comprehension may have been a problem.
Mr. Strathman asked would it be possible to arrange for an advocate to be present during another
inspection to work with him after the inspector left. Mr. Young responded he hopes so, but it is
always a question of schedules. Mr. Comparoni added that two social workers informed him
they were denied access to the apartment. Mr. Young replied he did not thiuk he was denying
them access, and they did not tell him they thought anyfliiug of the kind. He does have concems
about things being thrown around.
Would it be possible to return to the apartment with a social worker present to explain concerns,
asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Compazoni responded he is more than willing to do that.
Mr. Strathman asked would he be willing to make arrangements with Mr. Comparoni and one of
the social workers to discuss what needs to be done. Mr. Young responded he would like the
items in writing, and Mr. Comparoni responded he could do that.
Mr. Strathman stated someone needs to take responsibility for setting another inspection date and
contacting a social worker. He asked did Mr. Comparoni have a telephone number for the social
workers. Mr. Comparoni responded no. In that case, stated Mr. Strathman, Mr. Young will have
to take the responsibility of contacting a social worker plus contacting Mr. Compazoni to arrange
for an inspection by the end of this month. Mr. Strathman urged Mr. Compazoni to make a
special effort to fit this inspection into his schedule.
Mr. Young stated he would like someone else to do the inspection. Mr. Strathman replied he
will not make that decision and will assuxne Mr. Compazoni will be the inspector. (NIr.
Comparoni gave Mr. Young his business card.)
ff Mr. Young is confused about the arrangements, Mr. Voss can help him, stated Mr. Strathman.
Gerry Strathman stated the Notice of Condexnnation and Order to Vacate will be lifted on the
following conditions: 1) An inspection will be done by February 29, 2000 at 1533 St. Paul
Avenue #11. Frank Young will make the arrangements for himself, a social worker, and Cazl
Comparoni to meet at the apartment for this inspection; 2) Mr. Compazoni will inform Mr.
Young and the social worker what specifically needs to be done; 3) At the inspection, Mr.
Compazoni will give a written list to Mr. Young of what needs to be done; 4) Mr. Compazoni
will set a new compliance date and this date will be at his discretion. If the apartment is brought
into compliance, this matter will be closed. If the apartment is not brought into compliance by
the specified date, another condemnation order may be issued.
The mee6ng was adjourned at 2:13 p.m.
rrn
4��G11�A�
Presented
�
Council File # O� 1 1.
Green Sheet # 100403
RESOLUTION
OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
�
Referred To Committee Date
BE TT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the February 22,
2000, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Properry Code Enforcement Appeals for the following
address:
• �. • ��-. -.
Ap�ellant
1533 St. Paul Avenue #11
Decision: The Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate will be li8ed on the following conditions: 1) An
inspection will be done by Februaiy 29, 2000 at 1533 St. Paul Avenue #1 l. Frank Young will make the
arrangements for he, a social worker, and Carl Comparoni to meet at the apartment for this inspection; 2) Mr.
Comparoni will inform Mr. Young and the social worker what specifically needs to be done; 3) At the
inspection, Mr. Compazoni will give a written list to Mr. Young of what needs to be done; 4) Mr. Comparoni
will set a new compliance date and this date will be at his discretion. If the apartment is brought into
compliance, this matter will be closed. If the apartment is not brought into compliance by the specified date,
another condemnation order may be issued.
Yeas Nays Absent
B1akeY �
Coleman �
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom ✓
Lantry i /
O
Adopted by Council: Date �, \ �-�
Adoption
By:
Approved
! 3'�
Requested by Department oE
�
Form Approved by City Attorney
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
�
00 -�qa-
City Council 0£fices
Gerry Strathman, 266-8560
February 23,
GREEN SHEET
wr�r owFCroie
No � � � �"-�: 0 3
March 1, 2000
xureeeFOrt
ROIITYIG
OROFJt
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
❑ alr�na�eEr ❑ arvp.wt _
❑ w+rHCw�aoeu�sow. ❑ wuxpumnn�ccro
� Mlpt(OItYOTNii) ❑
(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement
Appeals for 1533 St. Paul Avenue, Unit 11.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB CAMMfTTEE
CIVIL SERVICE CAMMISSION
Hea uuc pe�saNfi�m erer vrorkea under aconaact r«tnia aepa�anemx
YES NO
Has ihia V��m ever 6een a cdY empbyee'!
vE5 NO
�oes ihis Y��m poseecs a sldll not namailyC�ssed bY anY curteM oitY emWm/ee7
VES IVG
Isthis P�rm atargeted venEOYt
YR NO
dein all ves arawew on aeoara[e sheet and attach to nreen aheek
G�'�b:�� �',�� F"t,��uA�24�0.�:t 6�te��d�
. ) ' � ��' � ...'.
COET/itEVENUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON�
YES NO
SOURCE NCTVfSY Nt9M66R
�v
�.
NOTES OF T'I� SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
Tuesday, Febniary 22, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Heating Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Cazl Compazoni, Fire Prevention
The meeting was called to order at 131 p.m.
1533 St. Paul Avenue. Unit 11
Gerry Strathxnan e�cplained that this meeting is being held to heaz an appeal from Frank Young to
a Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate froin the Fire Department on 1533 St. Paul
Avenue #11 as being unfit for human habitation.
Frank Young, tenant and appellant, appeazed and read from a letter that he prepared. His main
points aze as follows: 1} The aparfinent is not unfit for human habitation. The proper fifle
would be Notice to Vacate, Non Compliance with Fire Regulations. 2) This is short notice and a
rush to judgement. Mr. Young returned late one night and saw the inspection notice. The next
morning, came the inspection. The following day was the condemnation notice. Things are
always a mess on short notice. A resource person cannot come to help tidy, advocate, and
witness in such a short time span. If someone could give an reinspection the next morning, items
could be removed quickly. 3) Posifive factors have been ignored, such as a non hazardous
lifestyle, no smoking, no drugs, no weapons, na fires or emetgencies in his life. He is serious
about fire safety. 4) There is a lack of specificity. Things should be spelled out in writing so
that Mr. Young knows exactly what will satisfy an inspection, such as what combustibles
include, and what a clear path requires. 5) There was no prior warning ar previous complaint on
blockage.
Mr. Young stated the condemnation notice serves as undeserved punishment and unwarranted
feaz. He stated he suffers from an illness.
Carl Comparoni reported that on approxnnately January 12 to 14, he sent a letter to Dauern Park
Apartments that he will be coming out to inspect the entire complex on February 9 and 10.
There are 16 units. On Februaiy 9, he went to the complex and met Mike Voss. This is a 16 unit
building. At Unit 11, Mr. Comparoni could only open the door about halfway. The kitchen
window and living room windows were stacked four feet out and four feet deep with boxes,
calendars, magazines, and papers. The kitchen is a wrap around type and has two means of
egress. A person could enter the ldtchen from the main hallway. Once in the kitchen, the only
means of egress was to go back down the hallway. A person could not circle around because of
the amount of collectibles. The bedroom has the same concerns: combustibles were blocking
the window.
It is your view that it would not be possible for Mr. Young to egress through the windows, asked
Mr. Strathman. NIr. Compazoni responded yes and the door also creates a problem. Boxes
behind the door were preventing it from being open. He tried to explain to Mr. Young that there
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SPECIAL PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETTNG NOTES, 2-22-2000 Page 2
needed to be three feet of clearauce, but Mr. Young felt he could get to the windows. Mr.
Comparoni told Mr. Young that he would be back sometime in March to reinspect the apartment.
Mr. Comparoni stated he grew more concerned about the many items in the apamnent. He
thought in the best interest of safety, he would condemn the building. He went back on Februasy
10 to inspect the rest of the complex. At that time, he told Mr. Young he was going to condemn
the unit and the condemnation date was Febraaty 29. He told Mr. Young he would work with
him, and if progress was being made, the condemnation would be lifted and Mr. Comparoni
would return on Mazch 28 to reinspect the entire complex and Apartment 11. If the apartment
was in the same condition on Mazch 28, it would be condexnned again.
Noticing a violation, telling the property owner it has to be conected, and laying out a schedule
when it should be done is a customary process, stated Mr. Strathman. Issuing a condemnation
order on the second visit is not customary. He asked what prompted him to issue a
condemnation order instead of working towazds compliance with Mr. Young. Mr. Comparoni
responded the amount of collectibles presented an immediate hazazd. He felt that he was giving
Mr. Young too much time to comply.
Mr. Strathxnan asked did Mike Voss haue anything to add. Mr. Voss responded he did not.
Mr. Strathman asked is Mr. Compazoni's account factually accurate as faz as what he did and
what he said. Mr. Young replied he did not agree that there was only one way to get out of the
kitchen both sides. He admits there was a litter problem, and he was getting to the point where
he could do something about it. If the inspector had said he would come back tomorrow and
would expect some things to be cleazed right away, that could be done. The items by the door
were rivo crates that could have easily been moved away. There aze some things that are
blocking three foot access from the front to the rear, but Mr Young can maintain access. It does
not involve moving that much. A heavy cabinet is an issue, but he would gladly get rid of it. It's
just a question of getting people to move it out of there. The urgency of the matter is not evident.
NIr. Young alluded to suffering from an illness, stated Mr. Strathman. He asked are there
resources to get the apartment to a safe condition. Mr. Young responded the problem is the fear
inflicted on him that has made it difficult to do the work he has been asked to do; however, it is
not beyond him to do this.
How long would it take to return the apariment to a safe condition, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr.
Young responded the problem is a lack of specificity as to what needs to be done. Mr. Strathman
asked if Mr. Comparoni or another inspector came to the unit and described what needs to be
done, would that address the need for more information. Mr. Young replied what they would
requu�e would make a big difference as to what he could do.
Mr. Strathman asked does he think Mr. Young can bring his apartment into compliance in a
reasonable period of time. Mr. Compazoni replied if Mr. Young uses the resources available to
him.
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Was Mr. Young receptive to hearing what needs to be done or was he unable to understand,
asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Compazoni replied comprehension may have been a problem.
Mr. Strathman asked would it be possible to arrange for an advocate to be present during another
inspection to work with him after the inspector left. Mr. Young responded he hopes so, but it is
always a question of schedules. Mr. Comparoni added that two social workers informed him
they were denied access to the apartment. Mr. Young replied he did not thiuk he was denying
them access, and they did not tell him they thought anyfliiug of the kind. He does have concems
about things being thrown around.
Would it be possible to return to the apartment with a social worker present to explain concerns,
asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Compazoni responded he is more than willing to do that.
Mr. Strathman asked would he be willing to make arrangements with Mr. Comparoni and one of
the social workers to discuss what needs to be done. Mr. Young responded he would like the
items in writing, and Mr. Comparoni responded he could do that.
Mr. Strathman stated someone needs to take responsibility for setting another inspection date and
contacting a social worker. He asked did Mr. Comparoni have a telephone number for the social
workers. Mr. Comparoni responded no. In that case, stated Mr. Strathman, Mr. Young will have
to take the responsibility of contacting a social worker plus contacting Mr. Compazoni to arrange
for an inspection by the end of this month. Mr. Strathman urged Mr. Compazoni to make a
special effort to fit this inspection into his schedule.
Mr. Young stated he would like someone else to do the inspection. Mr. Strathman replied he
will not make that decision and will assuxne Mr. Compazoni will be the inspector. (NIr.
Comparoni gave Mr. Young his business card.)
ff Mr. Young is confused about the arrangements, Mr. Voss can help him, stated Mr. Strathman.
Gerry Strathman stated the Notice of Condexnnation and Order to Vacate will be lifted on the
following conditions: 1) An inspection will be done by February 29, 2000 at 1533 St. Paul
Avenue #11. Frank Young will make the arrangements for himself, a social worker, and Cazl
Comparoni to meet at the apartment for this inspection; 2) Mr. Compazoni will inform Mr.
Young and the social worker what specifically needs to be done; 3) At the inspection, Mr.
Compazoni will give a written list to Mr. Young of what needs to be done; 4) Mr. Compazoni
will set a new compliance date and this date will be at his discretion. If the apartment is brought
into compliance, this matter will be closed. If the apartment is not brought into compliance by
the specified date, another condemnation order may be issued.
The mee6ng was adjourned at 2:13 p.m.
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