00-228Council File # pp �Sl�
�����1��d�
Presented
Referred io
Green Sheet # 100404
�ommittee uate
WI�IEREAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends that license application (ID # 19990007238) for Auto
Repair Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicles, and Motor Vehicle Dealer-New Vehicles Licenses by
Mid-America Emergency Vehicles, Inc., DBA Iioad Rescue Emergency Vehicles, 1133 Ra.nldu Sireet, be
approved;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves these licenses.
Yeas Na s Absent
Blakey ,/
Coleman �
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom �
Lantry i /
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Adopted by Council: Date "�� ��,� �—c7 p-c, Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
By: �, a— _ '(� .—�e_..�,.._����
ApprovedbyMayor: Date UI��UYUt/1 ��"J ,cs�l%
By: _G����
!
oa -aa��
City Council Offices
�����
GREEN SHEET
. -, -, ,
N I u:;-� 04
Gerry Strathman, 266-8575
March 8, 2000
2-29-2000
TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES
enu�„�rnwrsroa
❑ anwnaeEr ❑ anucu __
❑ nPx�iufFMVCFSnw. ❑ n�w�oStaEan4Cero
�MYOR(OItA{9RI11rt� ❑
(CUP ALL LOCATiONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving application for Auto Repair Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicles, and Motor
Vehicle Dealer=New Vehicles Licenses by Mid-America Emergency Vehicles, dba Road Rescue
Emergency Vehicles, 1133 Rankin Street.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMIITEE
CML SERVICE COMMfS:
tSONAISERVICE CON7RAC75 MUST ANSWER 711E F0110WIN6 �
F128 Mi8 Pe��fm EV2f MalkEd untle! 8 ConV'aG[ fOf 1h16 tlEP81�(IIeM7
YES No
tias this pemoMfirm ever been a dtv employx?
vES !!O
Does tnic pe�sorJfirm Poseees a ddl� not'armaiNV� bY �Y curteM city emWM'ee9
YES NO
Is Mis personlfirm a targHed vendoR
YES WO
� ` �`��fe2(
6�������
�
AMOUNiOFTRAN3ACTION
COET/ItEYQlUE BUIXiETm (CIRCLE ON�
ACTNPIY NUMBER
YEE NO
I �1::"'a!:li8
00 -aaY
MINi1TES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEt�RING
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 2133 NILES AVENIJE
Thursday, Febivary 24, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 a.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Asuncion, License, Inspection, Environmental Protection (LIEP);
Kristine Schweinler, LIEP
Gerry Strathman stated this meering is being held to hear objections to a license application by
Mid-America Emergency Vehicles.
Kristine Schweinler reported this was an application for the following licenses: Auto Repair
Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motar Vehicle, Motor Vehicle Dealer-New Vehicles. LIEP's
recommendation is foz approval. The site has been reviewed and approved by Fire, Zoning, and
Licensing.
Edward McCormick, 2187 Stewart Avenue, appeared and stated he has lived at tkris address since
1955. He puts up with constant exhaust fan noise everyday unfi110:00 or 11:00 p.m. Sometimes
they are in violation of the City code, but it depends on the wind conditions, which makes a
random test for noise difficult. With windows and doors closed, the noise can still keep him
awake at night. He is also concerned about solvent and paint fiunes at various times of the day.
John Lesch from City Council Member Chris Coleman's office witnessed this. The fumes cause
headaches and dry throat. Road Rescue indicated on June 17 that they would investigate the
matter. Nothing has changed. On March 29, Road Rescue was requested to turn off the public
address system at night and on weekends, but it still blasts a11 day long. Mr. McCormick
wonders why an outside public address system is necessary when the only people outside are
smokers. He has made an offer to Road Rescue to split the cost of sound proofing the e�iaust
fan. He is still willing to do this. In a letter on June 24, Road Rescue said they have not changed
operafing procedures or operating equipment in ten years. This could be the reason for the fan
noise and the fumes.
Gerry Strathman stated the City and State have agencies chazged with enforcing noise and air
pollu$on. He asked what Mr. McCormick and the neighbors have done in terms of seeking
assistance from these agencies. Mr. McCormick responded they haue had no luck with the State.
Wendy from St. Paul Fire and Safety could smell the fumes so badly that she called the fire
rescue squad to make sure there were no fumes in the house. At the time, she said she was going
to do something to have them correct the problem, but Mr. McCormick never got back to her
about this.
Mr. Strathman asked has City staff checked for decibel ievels. An inspector Rich Jentz from
LIEP told Road Rescue they were in violation after dark, responded Mr. McCormick. It is 65
00 -aa�
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 2
decibels in the daytime and 55 decibels at night. The inspector never witnessed a 65 decibel
reading during the day. Also, Highland Auto Body does painting, but the neighborhood does not
smell it because of the equipment used to eliminate smells and noise.
Richazd Anderson, 2211 Benson Avenue, appeared and stated a person can hardly breathe with
the fumes in the air. This could cause lung problems. Also, theze is a paper company that throws
papers in the neighborhood. Their employees use foul language.
Do you heaz the fan noise, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Anderson responded he does heaz it. There
was a fan on Benson Avenue that made a vibrating noise.
Bernie Lind, 2233 Benson Avenue, appeared and stated he concurs with Richard Anderson and
Edward McCormick. There should be no license issued to that area until the serious issues are
addressed. He has a problem with paint fumes, e�aust fans, noise, and the public address
system. (Mr. Lind explained the problems that he has had with the paper company in the azea.)
He has not been able to leave his windows open at night in the suminer since he moved into the
house four yeazs ago.
W. J. Brown, Jr., 22ll Stewart Avenue, appeared and staked his concems haue been covered
from the previous speakers. He has a swinuning pool in his backyard. He noticed there was
scuxn on top of the water and thought it was from the diesel and the trains. But he now feels the
scum is an indicator of paint in the air. Also, he lives behind the flood lights and does not have
to turn his lights on at night because the flood lights are so high in the air.
Gerry Strathman asked do the lights bother him. Mr. Brown responded to an extent. The lights
aze not necessazy because they could be diffused down.
Kelly Jones Hicks, 2223 Stewart Avenue, appeared and stated she has been in the area for a yeaz
and her husband has lived there for 12 years. She likes the neighborhood because it has a nice
quality about it with tree lined streets and gazdens. Her two concerns are the public address
system and the flood lights. The public address system can be heazd at 7:30 a.m. It has been left
on over the weekends, but not as a rule. She has heazd the e�aust fans, but it does not bother
her as strongly as the public address system. As for the flood lights, they do not give her yazd
privacy.
Has she asked the business to change the lights, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Hicks responded she
has not. She thinks the lights are new as of last year.
Steve Prokop, 2275 Benson Avenue, appeazed and stated he was the night janitor at Road Rescue
a few years ago. The night shift used wlgaz language. There was a hearing one to two yeazs ago
about large hucks going to Road Rescue; the neighbors were assured that the trucks would not be
using Benson Avenue. The trucks have caused pot holes in the street.
oo-�aa�
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 3
Mr. Strathman asked are the trucks going to Road Rescue. Mr. Prokop responded yes because
they ate a11 heading east. The neighborhood was assured that the trucks would travel on Shepazd
Road.
Mr. Strathman asked did anyone else have any objections. (No one came forward.)
Robert Haselman, Mid America Emergency Vehicles, appeared. He explained they are a dealer
of new and used ambulances for Road Rescue, Inc. Road Rescue is the manufacturer and Mid-
America has an agreement to sell their vehicles in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Most
of the objections should be directed to the Road Rescue factory. Mid-America does not have any
e�aust fans in their small facility. They have one small inside bay that they have access to, and
that is where the service part of the application comes into play. The Fire Department may stop
by and Mid-America will do small electrical work on their hucks. The service would not be oil
changes, brake jobs, or any mechanical type of service. It is only electrical wiring.
Mr. Strathman asked if they do manufacturing work at this facility. Mr. Haselman responded he
is a dealer and not a manufacturer.
Mr. Strathman asked where the vehicles are manufactured. Mr. Haselman responded Bill Huston
is the owner of 1133 Rankin Street. A major portion of that building is Road Rescue Inc. and
they build ambulances as their primary business. The Pioneer Press is in the same building.
Mid-America is at the faz end of the building, which is sepazate from Road Rescue. He sells
vehicles and does minor repair.
Why do they need an auto repair garage license, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Haselman repiied
they may do minor electrical service for their customers, but no painting is done. Ms.
Schweinler explained when any work is done on a motor vehicle, a repair gazage license is
needed.
Mr. Strathman asked about the second hand dealer license and do they occasionally sell used.
Mr. Haselman responded they trade used ambulances for new. They do not have a public
address system. They do not lease from Road Rescue, but from Bill Huston.
In response to questions about the exterior lights, Mr. Haselman responded the lights are from
Road Rescue and used mainly for security; however, Mid-America occupies the same fenced
area so they are indirectly affiliated with that. The lights were installed by the building owner.
Mr. Haselman does not have access to turning them on or off.
Mr. Strathman asked would the building owner be the one to make changes in the lighting. Mr.
Haselman responded that is conect.
There is one full time and one part time employee, stated Mr. Haseiman. Any vehicle traffic
enters and exits from Rankin Street, the main gate entrance.
oa -aa a'
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 4
Mr. Strathman asked aze the ambulances driven or hucked in. Mr. Haselman responded they aze
driven out mainly. The chassis aze flatbedded in on semis, but they are going to the
manufacturer.
There are no semi trucks or transport trucks associated with this business, asked Mr. Strathxnan.
Mr. Haselman responded that he can have a delivery of a new stretcher that could be part of a
package for a customer so there is a potential of a truck to come to his business, but it is very
limited.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the licenses. None of the complaints have anything
to do with this applicant and this business does not appear to be the source of any of the
disturbances in the neighborhood. Mr. Strathman urged the neighbors to continue to pursue their
complaints with the fire department and Council Member Coleman's Office regarding Road
Rescue.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 a.m.
rrn
Council File # pp �Sl�
�����1��d�
Presented
Referred io
Green Sheet # 100404
�ommittee uate
WI�IEREAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends that license application (ID # 19990007238) for Auto
Repair Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicles, and Motor Vehicle Dealer-New Vehicles Licenses by
Mid-America Emergency Vehicles, Inc., DBA Iioad Rescue Emergency Vehicles, 1133 Ra.nldu Sireet, be
approved;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves these licenses.
Yeas Na s Absent
Blakey ,/
Coleman �
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom �
Lantry i /
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Adopted by Council: Date "�� ��,� �—c7 p-c, Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
By: �, a— _ '(� .—�e_..�,.._����
ApprovedbyMayor: Date UI��UYUt/1 ��"J ,cs�l%
By: _G����
!
oa -aa��
City Council Offices
�����
GREEN SHEET
. -, -, ,
N I u:;-� 04
Gerry Strathman, 266-8575
March 8, 2000
2-29-2000
TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES
enu�„�rnwrsroa
❑ anwnaeEr ❑ anucu __
❑ nPx�iufFMVCFSnw. ❑ n�w�oStaEan4Cero
�MYOR(OItA{9RI11rt� ❑
(CUP ALL LOCATiONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving application for Auto Repair Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicles, and Motor
Vehicle Dealer=New Vehicles Licenses by Mid-America Emergency Vehicles, dba Road Rescue
Emergency Vehicles, 1133 Rankin Street.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMIITEE
CML SERVICE COMMfS:
tSONAISERVICE CON7RAC75 MUST ANSWER 711E F0110WIN6 �
F128 Mi8 Pe��fm EV2f MalkEd untle! 8 ConV'aG[ fOf 1h16 tlEP81�(IIeM7
YES No
tias this pemoMfirm ever been a dtv employx?
vES !!O
Does tnic pe�sorJfirm Poseees a ddl� not'armaiNV� bY �Y curteM city emWM'ee9
YES NO
Is Mis personlfirm a targHed vendoR
YES WO
� ` �`��fe2(
6�������
�
AMOUNiOFTRAN3ACTION
COET/ItEYQlUE BUIXiETm (CIRCLE ON�
ACTNPIY NUMBER
YEE NO
I �1::"'a!:li8
00 -aaY
MINi1TES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEt�RING
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 2133 NILES AVENIJE
Thursday, Febivary 24, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 a.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Asuncion, License, Inspection, Environmental Protection (LIEP);
Kristine Schweinler, LIEP
Gerry Strathman stated this meering is being held to hear objections to a license application by
Mid-America Emergency Vehicles.
Kristine Schweinler reported this was an application for the following licenses: Auto Repair
Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motar Vehicle, Motor Vehicle Dealer-New Vehicles. LIEP's
recommendation is foz approval. The site has been reviewed and approved by Fire, Zoning, and
Licensing.
Edward McCormick, 2187 Stewart Avenue, appeared and stated he has lived at tkris address since
1955. He puts up with constant exhaust fan noise everyday unfi110:00 or 11:00 p.m. Sometimes
they are in violation of the City code, but it depends on the wind conditions, which makes a
random test for noise difficult. With windows and doors closed, the noise can still keep him
awake at night. He is also concerned about solvent and paint fiunes at various times of the day.
John Lesch from City Council Member Chris Coleman's office witnessed this. The fumes cause
headaches and dry throat. Road Rescue indicated on June 17 that they would investigate the
matter. Nothing has changed. On March 29, Road Rescue was requested to turn off the public
address system at night and on weekends, but it still blasts a11 day long. Mr. McCormick
wonders why an outside public address system is necessary when the only people outside are
smokers. He has made an offer to Road Rescue to split the cost of sound proofing the e�iaust
fan. He is still willing to do this. In a letter on June 24, Road Rescue said they have not changed
operafing procedures or operating equipment in ten years. This could be the reason for the fan
noise and the fumes.
Gerry Strathman stated the City and State have agencies chazged with enforcing noise and air
pollu$on. He asked what Mr. McCormick and the neighbors have done in terms of seeking
assistance from these agencies. Mr. McCormick responded they haue had no luck with the State.
Wendy from St. Paul Fire and Safety could smell the fumes so badly that she called the fire
rescue squad to make sure there were no fumes in the house. At the time, she said she was going
to do something to have them correct the problem, but Mr. McCormick never got back to her
about this.
Mr. Strathman asked has City staff checked for decibel ievels. An inspector Rich Jentz from
LIEP told Road Rescue they were in violation after dark, responded Mr. McCormick. It is 65
00 -aa�
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 2
decibels in the daytime and 55 decibels at night. The inspector never witnessed a 65 decibel
reading during the day. Also, Highland Auto Body does painting, but the neighborhood does not
smell it because of the equipment used to eliminate smells and noise.
Richazd Anderson, 2211 Benson Avenue, appeared and stated a person can hardly breathe with
the fumes in the air. This could cause lung problems. Also, theze is a paper company that throws
papers in the neighborhood. Their employees use foul language.
Do you heaz the fan noise, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Anderson responded he does heaz it. There
was a fan on Benson Avenue that made a vibrating noise.
Bernie Lind, 2233 Benson Avenue, appeared and stated he concurs with Richard Anderson and
Edward McCormick. There should be no license issued to that area until the serious issues are
addressed. He has a problem with paint fumes, e�aust fans, noise, and the public address
system. (Mr. Lind explained the problems that he has had with the paper company in the azea.)
He has not been able to leave his windows open at night in the suminer since he moved into the
house four yeazs ago.
W. J. Brown, Jr., 22ll Stewart Avenue, appeared and staked his concems haue been covered
from the previous speakers. He has a swinuning pool in his backyard. He noticed there was
scuxn on top of the water and thought it was from the diesel and the trains. But he now feels the
scum is an indicator of paint in the air. Also, he lives behind the flood lights and does not have
to turn his lights on at night because the flood lights are so high in the air.
Gerry Strathman asked do the lights bother him. Mr. Brown responded to an extent. The lights
aze not necessazy because they could be diffused down.
Kelly Jones Hicks, 2223 Stewart Avenue, appeared and stated she has been in the area for a yeaz
and her husband has lived there for 12 years. She likes the neighborhood because it has a nice
quality about it with tree lined streets and gazdens. Her two concerns are the public address
system and the flood lights. The public address system can be heazd at 7:30 a.m. It has been left
on over the weekends, but not as a rule. She has heazd the e�aust fans, but it does not bother
her as strongly as the public address system. As for the flood lights, they do not give her yazd
privacy.
Has she asked the business to change the lights, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Hicks responded she
has not. She thinks the lights are new as of last year.
Steve Prokop, 2275 Benson Avenue, appeazed and stated he was the night janitor at Road Rescue
a few years ago. The night shift used wlgaz language. There was a hearing one to two yeazs ago
about large hucks going to Road Rescue; the neighbors were assured that the trucks would not be
using Benson Avenue. The trucks have caused pot holes in the street.
oo-�aa�
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 3
Mr. Strathman asked are the trucks going to Road Rescue. Mr. Prokop responded yes because
they ate a11 heading east. The neighborhood was assured that the trucks would travel on Shepazd
Road.
Mr. Strathman asked did anyone else have any objections. (No one came forward.)
Robert Haselman, Mid America Emergency Vehicles, appeared. He explained they are a dealer
of new and used ambulances for Road Rescue, Inc. Road Rescue is the manufacturer and Mid-
America has an agreement to sell their vehicles in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Most
of the objections should be directed to the Road Rescue factory. Mid-America does not have any
e�aust fans in their small facility. They have one small inside bay that they have access to, and
that is where the service part of the application comes into play. The Fire Department may stop
by and Mid-America will do small electrical work on their hucks. The service would not be oil
changes, brake jobs, or any mechanical type of service. It is only electrical wiring.
Mr. Strathman asked if they do manufacturing work at this facility. Mr. Haselman responded he
is a dealer and not a manufacturer.
Mr. Strathman asked where the vehicles are manufactured. Mr. Haselman responded Bill Huston
is the owner of 1133 Rankin Street. A major portion of that building is Road Rescue Inc. and
they build ambulances as their primary business. The Pioneer Press is in the same building.
Mid-America is at the faz end of the building, which is sepazate from Road Rescue. He sells
vehicles and does minor repair.
Why do they need an auto repair garage license, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Haselman repiied
they may do minor electrical service for their customers, but no painting is done. Ms.
Schweinler explained when any work is done on a motor vehicle, a repair gazage license is
needed.
Mr. Strathman asked about the second hand dealer license and do they occasionally sell used.
Mr. Haselman responded they trade used ambulances for new. They do not have a public
address system. They do not lease from Road Rescue, but from Bill Huston.
In response to questions about the exterior lights, Mr. Haselman responded the lights are from
Road Rescue and used mainly for security; however, Mid-America occupies the same fenced
area so they are indirectly affiliated with that. The lights were installed by the building owner.
Mr. Haselman does not have access to turning them on or off.
Mr. Strathman asked would the building owner be the one to make changes in the lighting. Mr.
Haselman responded that is conect.
There is one full time and one part time employee, stated Mr. Haseiman. Any vehicle traffic
enters and exits from Rankin Street, the main gate entrance.
oa -aa a'
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 4
Mr. Strathman asked aze the ambulances driven or hucked in. Mr. Haselman responded they aze
driven out mainly. The chassis aze flatbedded in on semis, but they are going to the
manufacturer.
There are no semi trucks or transport trucks associated with this business, asked Mr. Strathxnan.
Mr. Haselman responded that he can have a delivery of a new stretcher that could be part of a
package for a customer so there is a potential of a truck to come to his business, but it is very
limited.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the licenses. None of the complaints have anything
to do with this applicant and this business does not appear to be the source of any of the
disturbances in the neighborhood. Mr. Strathman urged the neighbors to continue to pursue their
complaints with the fire department and Council Member Coleman's Office regarding Road
Rescue.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 a.m.
rrn
Council File # pp �Sl�
�����1��d�
Presented
Referred io
Green Sheet # 100404
�ommittee uate
WI�IEREAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends that license application (ID # 19990007238) for Auto
Repair Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicles, and Motor Vehicle Dealer-New Vehicles Licenses by
Mid-America Emergency Vehicles, Inc., DBA Iioad Rescue Emergency Vehicles, 1133 Ra.nldu Sireet, be
approved;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves these licenses.
Yeas Na s Absent
Blakey ,/
Coleman �
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom �
Lantry i /
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Adopted by Council: Date "�� ��,� �—c7 p-c, Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
By: �, a— _ '(� .—�e_..�,.._����
ApprovedbyMayor: Date UI��UYUt/1 ��"J ,cs�l%
By: _G����
!
oa -aa��
City Council Offices
�����
GREEN SHEET
. -, -, ,
N I u:;-� 04
Gerry Strathman, 266-8575
March 8, 2000
2-29-2000
TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES
enu�„�rnwrsroa
❑ anwnaeEr ❑ anucu __
❑ nPx�iufFMVCFSnw. ❑ n�w�oStaEan4Cero
�MYOR(OItA{9RI11rt� ❑
(CUP ALL LOCATiONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving application for Auto Repair Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicles, and Motor
Vehicle Dealer=New Vehicles Licenses by Mid-America Emergency Vehicles, dba Road Rescue
Emergency Vehicles, 1133 Rankin Street.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMIITEE
CML SERVICE COMMfS:
tSONAISERVICE CON7RAC75 MUST ANSWER 711E F0110WIN6 �
F128 Mi8 Pe��fm EV2f MalkEd untle! 8 ConV'aG[ fOf 1h16 tlEP81�(IIeM7
YES No
tias this pemoMfirm ever been a dtv employx?
vES !!O
Does tnic pe�sorJfirm Poseees a ddl� not'armaiNV� bY �Y curteM city emWM'ee9
YES NO
Is Mis personlfirm a targHed vendoR
YES WO
� ` �`��fe2(
6�������
�
AMOUNiOFTRAN3ACTION
COET/ItEYQlUE BUIXiETm (CIRCLE ON�
ACTNPIY NUMBER
YEE NO
I �1::"'a!:li8
00 -aaY
MINi1TES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEt�RING
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 2133 NILES AVENIJE
Thursday, Febivary 24, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 a.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Asuncion, License, Inspection, Environmental Protection (LIEP);
Kristine Schweinler, LIEP
Gerry Strathman stated this meering is being held to hear objections to a license application by
Mid-America Emergency Vehicles.
Kristine Schweinler reported this was an application for the following licenses: Auto Repair
Garage, Second Hand Dealer-Motar Vehicle, Motor Vehicle Dealer-New Vehicles. LIEP's
recommendation is foz approval. The site has been reviewed and approved by Fire, Zoning, and
Licensing.
Edward McCormick, 2187 Stewart Avenue, appeared and stated he has lived at tkris address since
1955. He puts up with constant exhaust fan noise everyday unfi110:00 or 11:00 p.m. Sometimes
they are in violation of the City code, but it depends on the wind conditions, which makes a
random test for noise difficult. With windows and doors closed, the noise can still keep him
awake at night. He is also concerned about solvent and paint fiunes at various times of the day.
John Lesch from City Council Member Chris Coleman's office witnessed this. The fumes cause
headaches and dry throat. Road Rescue indicated on June 17 that they would investigate the
matter. Nothing has changed. On March 29, Road Rescue was requested to turn off the public
address system at night and on weekends, but it still blasts a11 day long. Mr. McCormick
wonders why an outside public address system is necessary when the only people outside are
smokers. He has made an offer to Road Rescue to split the cost of sound proofing the e�iaust
fan. He is still willing to do this. In a letter on June 24, Road Rescue said they have not changed
operafing procedures or operating equipment in ten years. This could be the reason for the fan
noise and the fumes.
Gerry Strathman stated the City and State have agencies chazged with enforcing noise and air
pollu$on. He asked what Mr. McCormick and the neighbors have done in terms of seeking
assistance from these agencies. Mr. McCormick responded they haue had no luck with the State.
Wendy from St. Paul Fire and Safety could smell the fumes so badly that she called the fire
rescue squad to make sure there were no fumes in the house. At the time, she said she was going
to do something to have them correct the problem, but Mr. McCormick never got back to her
about this.
Mr. Strathman asked has City staff checked for decibel ievels. An inspector Rich Jentz from
LIEP told Road Rescue they were in violation after dark, responded Mr. McCormick. It is 65
00 -aa�
ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 2
decibels in the daytime and 55 decibels at night. The inspector never witnessed a 65 decibel
reading during the day. Also, Highland Auto Body does painting, but the neighborhood does not
smell it because of the equipment used to eliminate smells and noise.
Richazd Anderson, 2211 Benson Avenue, appeared and stated a person can hardly breathe with
the fumes in the air. This could cause lung problems. Also, theze is a paper company that throws
papers in the neighborhood. Their employees use foul language.
Do you heaz the fan noise, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Anderson responded he does heaz it. There
was a fan on Benson Avenue that made a vibrating noise.
Bernie Lind, 2233 Benson Avenue, appeared and stated he concurs with Richard Anderson and
Edward McCormick. There should be no license issued to that area until the serious issues are
addressed. He has a problem with paint fumes, e�aust fans, noise, and the public address
system. (Mr. Lind explained the problems that he has had with the paper company in the azea.)
He has not been able to leave his windows open at night in the suminer since he moved into the
house four yeazs ago.
W. J. Brown, Jr., 22ll Stewart Avenue, appeared and staked his concems haue been covered
from the previous speakers. He has a swinuning pool in his backyard. He noticed there was
scuxn on top of the water and thought it was from the diesel and the trains. But he now feels the
scum is an indicator of paint in the air. Also, he lives behind the flood lights and does not have
to turn his lights on at night because the flood lights are so high in the air.
Gerry Strathman asked do the lights bother him. Mr. Brown responded to an extent. The lights
aze not necessazy because they could be diffused down.
Kelly Jones Hicks, 2223 Stewart Avenue, appeared and stated she has been in the area for a yeaz
and her husband has lived there for 12 years. She likes the neighborhood because it has a nice
quality about it with tree lined streets and gazdens. Her two concerns are the public address
system and the flood lights. The public address system can be heazd at 7:30 a.m. It has been left
on over the weekends, but not as a rule. She has heazd the e�aust fans, but it does not bother
her as strongly as the public address system. As for the flood lights, they do not give her yazd
privacy.
Has she asked the business to change the lights, asked Mr. Strathman. Ms. Hicks responded she
has not. She thinks the lights are new as of last year.
Steve Prokop, 2275 Benson Avenue, appeazed and stated he was the night janitor at Road Rescue
a few years ago. The night shift used wlgaz language. There was a hearing one to two yeazs ago
about large hucks going to Road Rescue; the neighbors were assured that the trucks would not be
using Benson Avenue. The trucks have caused pot holes in the street.
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ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 3
Mr. Strathman asked are the trucks going to Road Rescue. Mr. Prokop responded yes because
they ate a11 heading east. The neighborhood was assured that the trucks would travel on Shepazd
Road.
Mr. Strathman asked did anyone else have any objections. (No one came forward.)
Robert Haselman, Mid America Emergency Vehicles, appeared. He explained they are a dealer
of new and used ambulances for Road Rescue, Inc. Road Rescue is the manufacturer and Mid-
America has an agreement to sell their vehicles in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Most
of the objections should be directed to the Road Rescue factory. Mid-America does not have any
e�aust fans in their small facility. They have one small inside bay that they have access to, and
that is where the service part of the application comes into play. The Fire Department may stop
by and Mid-America will do small electrical work on their hucks. The service would not be oil
changes, brake jobs, or any mechanical type of service. It is only electrical wiring.
Mr. Strathman asked if they do manufacturing work at this facility. Mr. Haselman responded he
is a dealer and not a manufacturer.
Mr. Strathman asked where the vehicles are manufactured. Mr. Haselman responded Bill Huston
is the owner of 1133 Rankin Street. A major portion of that building is Road Rescue Inc. and
they build ambulances as their primary business. The Pioneer Press is in the same building.
Mid-America is at the faz end of the building, which is sepazate from Road Rescue. He sells
vehicles and does minor repair.
Why do they need an auto repair garage license, asked Mr. Strathman. Mr. Haselman repiied
they may do minor electrical service for their customers, but no painting is done. Ms.
Schweinler explained when any work is done on a motor vehicle, a repair gazage license is
needed.
Mr. Strathman asked about the second hand dealer license and do they occasionally sell used.
Mr. Haselman responded they trade used ambulances for new. They do not have a public
address system. They do not lease from Road Rescue, but from Bill Huston.
In response to questions about the exterior lights, Mr. Haselman responded the lights are from
Road Rescue and used mainly for security; however, Mid-America occupies the same fenced
area so they are indirectly affiliated with that. The lights were installed by the building owner.
Mr. Haselman does not have access to turning them on or off.
Mr. Strathman asked would the building owner be the one to make changes in the lighting. Mr.
Haselman responded that is conect.
There is one full time and one part time employee, stated Mr. Haseiman. Any vehicle traffic
enters and exits from Rankin Street, the main gate entrance.
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ROAD RESCUE EMERGENCY VEHICLES, 1133 RANKIN STREET Page 4
Mr. Strathman asked aze the ambulances driven or hucked in. Mr. Haselman responded they aze
driven out mainly. The chassis aze flatbedded in on semis, but they are going to the
manufacturer.
There are no semi trucks or transport trucks associated with this business, asked Mr. Strathxnan.
Mr. Haselman responded that he can have a delivery of a new stretcher that could be part of a
package for a customer so there is a potential of a truck to come to his business, but it is very
limited.
Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the licenses. None of the complaints have anything
to do with this applicant and this business does not appear to be the source of any of the
disturbances in the neighborhood. Mr. Strathman urged the neighbors to continue to pursue their
complaints with the fire department and Council Member Coleman's Office regarding Road
Rescue.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 a.m.
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