00-607ORIGlNAL
Presented
Referred To
Council FIle # Op-LQ1
Green Sheet # 100421
Committee Date
1 BE I'P RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the June 20, 2000,
2 decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals far the following addresses:
3 Property Ap en aled
A nep llant
4 73 Leech Street (Laid over from 4-18-00) Laurie Colbecki, Women ofNations
5 Decision: Laid over to the July 20, 2000, Properry Code Enforcement meeting.
6 795 Sixth Street East (Laid over from 5-16-00)
Ed Reyes for Pagasa L.L.P.
7 Decision: Laid over to the July 11, 2000, Properiy Code Enfarcement meeting.
8
9 1021 Hudson Road (Laid over from 5-16-00) Lynette Swaser
10 Decision: Appeal denied on the Order to Vacate dated May 4, 2000.
11 726 Lincoln Avenue Frank and Nancy Martin
12 Decision: Appeal denied, but an extension granted to July 1, 2001, to comply with the Rainleader Ordinance.
13 422 Pierce Street #1 Robert Dellmore
14 Decision: Appeal denied on deficiency/conection list dated June 2, 2000.
15 1913 Carroll Avenue Curtis M. Decker
16 Decision: Appeal denied on the deficiency/correction list dated May 31, 2000.
17 880 Wilson Avenue #4 Holly Kuhn
18 Decision: Appeal denied on Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate dated June 16, 2000.
RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
0
19 693 Wilson Avenue Dartell Tutewohl
20 Decision: Variance granted on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions: 1) when the
21 nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire rated doors, 2) the
22 building must otherwise be in compliance.
Crreen Sheet 100421
Do -�p7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yeas Na s Absent
Blakey �
Coleman �/
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom ,/
Lantry ,/
`� D C�
8
9
10 Adopted by Council: Date: a a a o
11
12 Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
13 By: `o`� a . �
, �
14 Approved by Ma or:
15 Date: .� u�'�� 5 Zld��
16 By:
2
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
:
Council Offices
Gerry Strathman, 266-8560
June 28, 2000
June 21, 2000
�
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET
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No � ��-��'?1
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❑ an�nauar ❑ arve�au
❑qiur.f�u�sn� ❑wuw�vaaoea,xts
❑ wvoRtwiuesnwn ❑
(CLJP ALL IOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the 6-20-00 decisions of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code
Enforcement Appeals on the following addresses: 73 Leech Street, 795 Sixth Street East,
1021 Hudson Road, 726 Lincoln Avenue, 422 Pierce Street ��1, 1913 Carroll Avenue, 880 Wilson
Avenue 114, and 693 Wilson Avenue.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
'��y_�a.:bPitld
Flesmicce�sonlfirmeoerworlaeaunaeraaanha.ttamisaepanmema ,
YES MO
Flas Mis DNeaJfirm e.er heen a d'�' dnPbY�?
YES NO
Dce6 this D�um G� a 516q nOt riwme�HP� M' anY wnent Cdy empbyce?
YES NO
la this pereoNfiim a tarpeted �n.v�doY7
YES NO
dain all ves anawe�s on aeoarate sheet arM atlach in areen ahee[
Councs� Re��arc!? Cent�r
�u� � i a000
TOTALAMOUNT OFTRANSACTION
NNDINO SOURCE '
FlNFNCIN. INFORAV RION (EXP W f�
cosrrt+EVaue euoeerso �areu.e oN�
ncrnm rwn�sErt
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NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
Tuesday, June 20, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 1:31 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Pat Cahanes, Public Works-Sewer Utility; Pat Fist�, Fire Prevention; Mike
Urmann, Fire Prevention
73 Leech Street (Laid over from 4-18-00)
The following appeared: Laurie Colbeck, Women of Nafions, and Jerry Walsh, Project Manager
for Diversified Construction. Ms. Colbeck stated three of the azeas are almost completed. The
new shower azeas in the hallway and the residential azeas aze almost done. The new laundry area
will have washers and dryers this week. Additional electrical work will be done. There will be a
new bath and shower in the new bedroom. Mr. Walsh stated the new bedroom is close to
completion and may be finished next week. The shower units are set and plumb. They are
working on the sheetrock repairs and painting right now. A ceramic tile floor is going in. All the
small items aze very attainable.
Ms. Colbeck stated the final azea is the additional bathroom and shower that will be installed in
the location of the old laundry room. Mr. Walsh stated this area could not be approached until
the old laundry room got relocated into the new area.
Mike Urmann reported he took a tour with the appellant this morning to see the project. They aze
progressing very nicely and they are acting in good faith.
Gerry Strathman asked when the building will be fmished. Mr. Walsh responded a realistic date
would be three weeks.
Gerry Strathman laid over to the July 20 Properry Code Enforcement meeting.
795 Sixth Street East (Laid over from 5-16-00)
Gerry Strathman laid this over to the July 11, 2000, Property Code Enforcement meeting per a
note from Pat Fish, Fire Prevention, who will be inspecting the property at a later date.
1021 Hudson Road (Laid over from 5-16-00)
No one appeared to represent the property.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeai citing no one is here on behalf of the applicant.
o�-�o�
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLTNE 20, 2000 Page 2
726 Lincoln Avenue
Frank Ivlartin, owner, appeared and stated five yeazs ago, he was in this room and was granted
relief from having to connect two down spouts. He understood the relief was permanent. There
is no place to put the water on the east side of the house because of the topography. When he did
unhook the downspouts, water drained into the basement. He understood there would a chazge
on his sewer bill for the water. There aze siY downspouts on the house, four of which are
disconnected and drain away from the house. The other two downspouts aze impossible.
Gerry Strathxnan asked for a description of the house. (Mr. Martin showed Mr. Strathman a
diagram he drew of the outside of the house.)
For most City ordinances, stated Mr. Strathman, there is a provision to grant exceptions under
certain circumstances. This one is different because it results from a settlement of a lawsuit
between Saint Paul and the federal government having to do with the discharge of sewage into
the Mississippi River. The ordinance accepted by the federal government and adopted by the
City Council does not provide for any variances; however, the City may grant additional time.
That is undoubtedly what happened when Mr. Martin was here five years ago.
Pat Cahanes reported that on May 24, 1995, the properiy owner was granted a five year time
extension. Mr. Cahanes sent him a letter that the time extension had expired and it was time to
connect. He did an inspection of the property and feels there is adequate area to drain on the
west side. It was explained to Mr. Cahanes that the owner was worried about downspouts
crossing the sidewalk, but there are many properties in Saint Paul that have downspouts crossing
their sidewalk.
Mr. Strathman asked can those downspouts be closed off or are they essential to the roof
drainage. Mr. Cahanes responded the gutter to the north that drains the front porch area could be
rehung. Without changing all the gutters on the house, he is unsure about the other one. It could
be moved to a corner of the house instead of the center.
Any thoughts about the claim that water drains into the garden azea and migrates into the
basement, asked Mr. Stratlunan. The previous inspector, responded Mr. Cahanes, noted that it
needs an extension. There were no e�ensions done on the downspouts and it was draining next
to the foundation rather than across the sidewalk and into the garden azea.
Mr. Martin stated he does not agree with Mr. Cahanes. Water was draining across the sidewalk.
In a heavy rain, that small azea, which must be porous, goes right through the foundation. The
sidewalk is flush against the house. The vast majority of the water is iuvning across the sidewalk
out into the gazden area and ponding there. Mr. Cahanes responded he believes there aze options
with downspout relocation andlor installing an underground PVC pipe and draining it at the
south end of the properry, which would not be next to the foundation of the house.
�-�0
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF Jt7NE 20, 2000 Page 3
Mr. Martin stated he has an elm tree that is approxixuately three feet in diameter. Tree surgeons
have told him that the tree is infected as all trees aze in the City, and if the root system is
disturbed, it will kill the tree. It is surviving now because it has an excellent set of conditions.
Mr. Strathman stated he cannot grant a variance and it does not matter whether he would like to
or not. Neither can the City Council grant a variance without violating the ordinance which
provides for no variances. There may be expenses involved; therefore, he is willing to grant an
extension of one more year. Within that time, Mr. Martin will have to come up with a solution
for drainage. Public Works believes there aze solutions available. Mr. Martin responded one
solution is to hire a contractor to reset the house, but that is ridiculous.
Mr. Martin stated he would like his $25 appeal fee returned because there is no point to the
appeal; this is an unappealable issue. Mr. Strathman responded it is appealable with respect to
getting an extension. I£ Mr. Martin filed the appeal under the misconception that he could get a
variance, then the filing fee can be refunded.
Mr. Strathman asked does he want a one year extension. Mr. Martin responded he had better
take it.
Mr. Strathman granted an extension to July 1, 2001, to comply with Rainleader Ordinance 41.03.
422 Pierce Street #1
Robert Dellmore, tenant, appeared and stated ten days to bring his apartment into compliance is
harsh. He has no car, no money, and needs time off of work. He admits he is not a great
housekeeper, but is doing what he can to bring the apartment into compliance.
(Mike Urmann gave Gerry Strathman photographs of the apartment.)
Mr. Strathman stated the orders were issued June 2 and asked has progress been made. Mr.
Dellmore responded he believes so. He has a few things more to do. He does not know what is
really expected of him.
Mr. Strathman stated this situation has to be resoived. It is clearly a health hazard and cannot be
allowed to continue. He asked can this apartment be cleaned up in a week. Mr. Dellmore
responded he thinks he can.
Mr. Strathman stated he will deny the appeal, but the City Council will not approve his decision
until June 28�', and then the inspectors can deal with this more aggessively.
Robert Pilz, owner, 15801 Pilar Road North, appeared and stated Mr. Dellmore is a good tenant,
but the sanitary condition has to be conected.
c�o--�o
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLINE 20, 2000 Page 4
Mr. Stratlunan asked are there any resources. Mr. Pilz responded the tenant upstairs is a friend of
Mr. Dellmore's.
If this is not remedied, asked Mr. Strathman, what will happen. Mr. Urmann responded he will
wait until after June 28 to hear the City CounciPs decision on this matter. If the Council denies
the appeal, Fire wiil condemn the unit for non compliance, and issue a vacate date. Due to the
length of time it has already taken, the vacate date may be five days. Within that time, the unit
should be vacated or completely in compliance.
Mr. Dellmore asked will he be notified of a reinspection date and time so he can take time off
work and could the reinspection be done early in the morning. Mr. Urmann responded he will
give Mr. Dellmore a card and they will work something out.
(Mr. Dellmore viewed the photographs and he was given them.)
Gerry Slrathman denied the appeal. It is cleaz from the photographs that this is an unsanitary
condition that needs to be remedied.
1913 Carroll Avenue
Curtis M. Decker, owner, appeared and stated he had a certificate of occupancy inspection and
there were some items that needed to be corrected. He does not dispute the work needing to be
done; however, there is so much to do, there is no way he can complete the work in any
reasonable tune frame.
Gerry Strathman stated the list has four items. From the appeal letter, Items 3 and 4 aze not a
problem. The front entry stairs and the siding are the problem. Mr. Decker responded his plans
for this siuiuner are to repair the front entry stairs, which entails rebuilding the front porch. Fire
also wants him to stucco the addition. When he built the addition, it was to get rid of the safety
issue of what happens in the winter when water on the flat roof freezes and melts on the stairway.
Mr. Strathman asked did the permit call far siding. When he pulled the permit, responded Mr.
Decker, he was told he had an unlimited time to complete the project. The siding issue is strictly
cosmetic. He put some vinyl siding on the east side to protect it, the north side is under ihe eaves
and has 30 pound felt over the walls. It is weather tight and not leaking water into the house. It
is too much for him to tackle at once.
Mr. Strathman asked about the front steps and the porch and is it a hazard. Mr. Decker
responded no one has been hurt yet.
Mr. Strathman asked will the front porch be done by the end of the suinmer. Mr. Decker
responded that is the plan.
oc�--�c��
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JUNE 20, 2000 Page 5
Mike Urmann reported the inspector told him that this building is not problematic. The inspector
asked for the appellant to provide a letter with a date specific as to when the project will be
completed and the e�ension would be granted. At this point, Fire has not received a letter
regazding time.
Mr. Strathman asked about the siding. Mr. Decker responded he does not have a time frame for
it. Next stumner, he will move the garage. He wants to stucco it so it matches the rest of the
house. This involves heavy labor.
As far as the appeal is concerned, Mr. Strathman stated, there is no quesfion as to whether these
things need to be done and no question as to whether the owner is informed. The orders aze
correct. What Mr. Strathman was trying to do is get a specific time line to include in his
decision. The proper thing to do is to deny the appeal and Mr. Urmann has indicated the
inspectors are willing to work with the owner for a extended period of tune. Mr. Decker stated
Mr. Urmann said they were expecting a letter from him and Mr. Decker did not understand the
process to work that way.
Mr. Strathman stated there are two bases for him granting an appeal: 1) the owner was not
properly notified, 2) the orders aze unreasonable and improper. Mr. Decker responded they aze
unreasonable from the standpoint that he does not have the time and resources to do the work
they aze demanding he do. Mr. Strathman responded Mr. Urmann has said they are willing to
work with the owner. They are just not prepared to let it be indefinite. He encouraged Mr.
Decker to work with the inspector.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. (Mr. Urmann gave Mr. Decker his card and told Mr. Decker
to ca11 him so they could work something out.)
880 Wilson Avenue #4
Holly Kuhn appeared and stated she had a small fire in her kitchen approximately three weeks
ago. She has not had electricity since the end of May. Now the electricity has been paid and it is
on in her apartment.
(Ms. Kuhn showed Gerry Strathman and Pat Fish a receipt showing the electricity has been paid.)
Gerry Strathman asked was that the only basis for the condemnation. Pat Fish responded she
does not lrnow the balance on the account. She needs to verify the electricity. It was on short
notice because it originated from a firefighter that had been in the unit because of a fire. The
smoke detector was not working. Ms. Fish attempted to reach the tenant and contact the owner
and was unable to do either. She would like to check the smoke detector.
Mr. Strathxnan asked can she arrange to have the smoke detector checked. Ms. Kuhn responded
in the affirmative.
�-�c��
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLTNE 20, 2000 Page 6
Gerry Stratliman denied the appeal because the order was correct. Because the problem has been
taken care of, the order is of no importance. The owner should let Ms. Fish verify electrical
service and make sure the smoke detector is working.
693 Wilson Avenue
Pat Fish stated the owner of the building was not planuiug to attend the meeting today. Ms. Fish
does not haue any objections to a variance on the fire doors.
Gerry Strathman granted a variance on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions:
1) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire
rated doors, 2) the building must otherwise be in compliance.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
rrn
ORIGlNAL
Presented
Referred To
Council FIle # Op-LQ1
Green Sheet # 100421
Committee Date
1 BE I'P RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the June 20, 2000,
2 decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals far the following addresses:
3 Property Ap en aled
A nep llant
4 73 Leech Street (Laid over from 4-18-00) Laurie Colbecki, Women ofNations
5 Decision: Laid over to the July 20, 2000, Properry Code Enforcement meeting.
6 795 Sixth Street East (Laid over from 5-16-00)
Ed Reyes for Pagasa L.L.P.
7 Decision: Laid over to the July 11, 2000, Properiy Code Enfarcement meeting.
8
9 1021 Hudson Road (Laid over from 5-16-00) Lynette Swaser
10 Decision: Appeal denied on the Order to Vacate dated May 4, 2000.
11 726 Lincoln Avenue Frank and Nancy Martin
12 Decision: Appeal denied, but an extension granted to July 1, 2001, to comply with the Rainleader Ordinance.
13 422 Pierce Street #1 Robert Dellmore
14 Decision: Appeal denied on deficiency/conection list dated June 2, 2000.
15 1913 Carroll Avenue Curtis M. Decker
16 Decision: Appeal denied on the deficiency/correction list dated May 31, 2000.
17 880 Wilson Avenue #4 Holly Kuhn
18 Decision: Appeal denied on Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate dated June 16, 2000.
RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
0
19 693 Wilson Avenue Dartell Tutewohl
20 Decision: Variance granted on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions: 1) when the
21 nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire rated doors, 2) the
22 building must otherwise be in compliance.
Crreen Sheet 100421
Do -�p7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yeas Na s Absent
Blakey �
Coleman �/
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom ,/
Lantry ,/
`� D C�
8
9
10 Adopted by Council: Date: a a a o
11
12 Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
13 By: `o`� a . �
, �
14 Approved by Ma or:
15 Date: .� u�'�� 5 Zld��
16 By:
2
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
:
Council Offices
Gerry Strathman, 266-8560
June 28, 2000
June 21, 2000
�
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET
u.�u,�r aama
oo- �o�
No � ��-��'?1
qntax�
❑ an�nauar ❑ arve�au
❑qiur.f�u�sn� ❑wuw�vaaoea,xts
❑ wvoRtwiuesnwn ❑
(CLJP ALL IOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the 6-20-00 decisions of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code
Enforcement Appeals on the following addresses: 73 Leech Street, 795 Sixth Street East,
1021 Hudson Road, 726 Lincoln Avenue, 422 Pierce Street ��1, 1913 Carroll Avenue, 880 Wilson
Avenue 114, and 693 Wilson Avenue.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
'��y_�a.:bPitld
Flesmicce�sonlfirmeoerworlaeaunaeraaanha.ttamisaepanmema ,
YES MO
Flas Mis DNeaJfirm e.er heen a d'�' dnPbY�?
YES NO
Dce6 this D�um G� a 516q nOt riwme�HP� M' anY wnent Cdy empbyce?
YES NO
la this pereoNfiim a tarpeted �n.v�doY7
YES NO
dain all ves anawe�s on aeoarate sheet arM atlach in areen ahee[
Councs� Re��arc!? Cent�r
�u� � i a000
TOTALAMOUNT OFTRANSACTION
NNDINO SOURCE '
FlNFNCIN. INFORAV RION (EXP W f�
cosrrt+EVaue euoeerso �areu.e oN�
ncrnm rwn�sErt
YEE NO
c�c�- � o�
q_
NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
Tuesday, June 20, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 1:31 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Pat Cahanes, Public Works-Sewer Utility; Pat Fist�, Fire Prevention; Mike
Urmann, Fire Prevention
73 Leech Street (Laid over from 4-18-00)
The following appeared: Laurie Colbeck, Women of Nafions, and Jerry Walsh, Project Manager
for Diversified Construction. Ms. Colbeck stated three of the azeas are almost completed. The
new shower azeas in the hallway and the residential azeas aze almost done. The new laundry area
will have washers and dryers this week. Additional electrical work will be done. There will be a
new bath and shower in the new bedroom. Mr. Walsh stated the new bedroom is close to
completion and may be finished next week. The shower units are set and plumb. They are
working on the sheetrock repairs and painting right now. A ceramic tile floor is going in. All the
small items aze very attainable.
Ms. Colbeck stated the final azea is the additional bathroom and shower that will be installed in
the location of the old laundry room. Mr. Walsh stated this area could not be approached until
the old laundry room got relocated into the new area.
Mike Urmann reported he took a tour with the appellant this morning to see the project. They aze
progressing very nicely and they are acting in good faith.
Gerry Strathman asked when the building will be fmished. Mr. Walsh responded a realistic date
would be three weeks.
Gerry Strathman laid over to the July 20 Properry Code Enforcement meeting.
795 Sixth Street East (Laid over from 5-16-00)
Gerry Strathman laid this over to the July 11, 2000, Property Code Enforcement meeting per a
note from Pat Fish, Fire Prevention, who will be inspecting the property at a later date.
1021 Hudson Road (Laid over from 5-16-00)
No one appeared to represent the property.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeai citing no one is here on behalf of the applicant.
o�-�o�
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLTNE 20, 2000 Page 2
726 Lincoln Avenue
Frank Ivlartin, owner, appeared and stated five yeazs ago, he was in this room and was granted
relief from having to connect two down spouts. He understood the relief was permanent. There
is no place to put the water on the east side of the house because of the topography. When he did
unhook the downspouts, water drained into the basement. He understood there would a chazge
on his sewer bill for the water. There aze siY downspouts on the house, four of which are
disconnected and drain away from the house. The other two downspouts aze impossible.
Gerry Strathxnan asked for a description of the house. (Mr. Martin showed Mr. Strathman a
diagram he drew of the outside of the house.)
For most City ordinances, stated Mr. Strathman, there is a provision to grant exceptions under
certain circumstances. This one is different because it results from a settlement of a lawsuit
between Saint Paul and the federal government having to do with the discharge of sewage into
the Mississippi River. The ordinance accepted by the federal government and adopted by the
City Council does not provide for any variances; however, the City may grant additional time.
That is undoubtedly what happened when Mr. Martin was here five years ago.
Pat Cahanes reported that on May 24, 1995, the properiy owner was granted a five year time
extension. Mr. Cahanes sent him a letter that the time extension had expired and it was time to
connect. He did an inspection of the property and feels there is adequate area to drain on the
west side. It was explained to Mr. Cahanes that the owner was worried about downspouts
crossing the sidewalk, but there are many properties in Saint Paul that have downspouts crossing
their sidewalk.
Mr. Strathman asked can those downspouts be closed off or are they essential to the roof
drainage. Mr. Cahanes responded the gutter to the north that drains the front porch area could be
rehung. Without changing all the gutters on the house, he is unsure about the other one. It could
be moved to a corner of the house instead of the center.
Any thoughts about the claim that water drains into the garden azea and migrates into the
basement, asked Mr. Stratlunan. The previous inspector, responded Mr. Cahanes, noted that it
needs an extension. There were no e�ensions done on the downspouts and it was draining next
to the foundation rather than across the sidewalk and into the garden azea.
Mr. Martin stated he does not agree with Mr. Cahanes. Water was draining across the sidewalk.
In a heavy rain, that small azea, which must be porous, goes right through the foundation. The
sidewalk is flush against the house. The vast majority of the water is iuvning across the sidewalk
out into the gazden area and ponding there. Mr. Cahanes responded he believes there aze options
with downspout relocation andlor installing an underground PVC pipe and draining it at the
south end of the properry, which would not be next to the foundation of the house.
�-�0
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF Jt7NE 20, 2000 Page 3
Mr. Martin stated he has an elm tree that is approxixuately three feet in diameter. Tree surgeons
have told him that the tree is infected as all trees aze in the City, and if the root system is
disturbed, it will kill the tree. It is surviving now because it has an excellent set of conditions.
Mr. Strathman stated he cannot grant a variance and it does not matter whether he would like to
or not. Neither can the City Council grant a variance without violating the ordinance which
provides for no variances. There may be expenses involved; therefore, he is willing to grant an
extension of one more year. Within that time, Mr. Martin will have to come up with a solution
for drainage. Public Works believes there aze solutions available. Mr. Martin responded one
solution is to hire a contractor to reset the house, but that is ridiculous.
Mr. Martin stated he would like his $25 appeal fee returned because there is no point to the
appeal; this is an unappealable issue. Mr. Strathman responded it is appealable with respect to
getting an extension. I£ Mr. Martin filed the appeal under the misconception that he could get a
variance, then the filing fee can be refunded.
Mr. Strathman asked does he want a one year extension. Mr. Martin responded he had better
take it.
Mr. Strathman granted an extension to July 1, 2001, to comply with Rainleader Ordinance 41.03.
422 Pierce Street #1
Robert Dellmore, tenant, appeared and stated ten days to bring his apartment into compliance is
harsh. He has no car, no money, and needs time off of work. He admits he is not a great
housekeeper, but is doing what he can to bring the apartment into compliance.
(Mike Urmann gave Gerry Strathman photographs of the apartment.)
Mr. Strathman stated the orders were issued June 2 and asked has progress been made. Mr.
Dellmore responded he believes so. He has a few things more to do. He does not know what is
really expected of him.
Mr. Strathman stated this situation has to be resoived. It is clearly a health hazard and cannot be
allowed to continue. He asked can this apartment be cleaned up in a week. Mr. Dellmore
responded he thinks he can.
Mr. Strathman stated he will deny the appeal, but the City Council will not approve his decision
until June 28�', and then the inspectors can deal with this more aggessively.
Robert Pilz, owner, 15801 Pilar Road North, appeared and stated Mr. Dellmore is a good tenant,
but the sanitary condition has to be conected.
c�o--�o
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLINE 20, 2000 Page 4
Mr. Stratlunan asked are there any resources. Mr. Pilz responded the tenant upstairs is a friend of
Mr. Dellmore's.
If this is not remedied, asked Mr. Strathman, what will happen. Mr. Urmann responded he will
wait until after June 28 to hear the City CounciPs decision on this matter. If the Council denies
the appeal, Fire wiil condemn the unit for non compliance, and issue a vacate date. Due to the
length of time it has already taken, the vacate date may be five days. Within that time, the unit
should be vacated or completely in compliance.
Mr. Dellmore asked will he be notified of a reinspection date and time so he can take time off
work and could the reinspection be done early in the morning. Mr. Urmann responded he will
give Mr. Dellmore a card and they will work something out.
(Mr. Dellmore viewed the photographs and he was given them.)
Gerry Slrathman denied the appeal. It is cleaz from the photographs that this is an unsanitary
condition that needs to be remedied.
1913 Carroll Avenue
Curtis M. Decker, owner, appeared and stated he had a certificate of occupancy inspection and
there were some items that needed to be corrected. He does not dispute the work needing to be
done; however, there is so much to do, there is no way he can complete the work in any
reasonable tune frame.
Gerry Strathman stated the list has four items. From the appeal letter, Items 3 and 4 aze not a
problem. The front entry stairs and the siding are the problem. Mr. Decker responded his plans
for this siuiuner are to repair the front entry stairs, which entails rebuilding the front porch. Fire
also wants him to stucco the addition. When he built the addition, it was to get rid of the safety
issue of what happens in the winter when water on the flat roof freezes and melts on the stairway.
Mr. Strathman asked did the permit call far siding. When he pulled the permit, responded Mr.
Decker, he was told he had an unlimited time to complete the project. The siding issue is strictly
cosmetic. He put some vinyl siding on the east side to protect it, the north side is under ihe eaves
and has 30 pound felt over the walls. It is weather tight and not leaking water into the house. It
is too much for him to tackle at once.
Mr. Strathman asked about the front steps and the porch and is it a hazard. Mr. Decker
responded no one has been hurt yet.
Mr. Strathman asked will the front porch be done by the end of the suinmer. Mr. Decker
responded that is the plan.
oc�--�c��
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JUNE 20, 2000 Page 5
Mike Urmann reported the inspector told him that this building is not problematic. The inspector
asked for the appellant to provide a letter with a date specific as to when the project will be
completed and the e�ension would be granted. At this point, Fire has not received a letter
regazding time.
Mr. Strathman asked about the siding. Mr. Decker responded he does not have a time frame for
it. Next stumner, he will move the garage. He wants to stucco it so it matches the rest of the
house. This involves heavy labor.
As far as the appeal is concerned, Mr. Strathman stated, there is no quesfion as to whether these
things need to be done and no question as to whether the owner is informed. The orders aze
correct. What Mr. Strathman was trying to do is get a specific time line to include in his
decision. The proper thing to do is to deny the appeal and Mr. Urmann has indicated the
inspectors are willing to work with the owner for a extended period of tune. Mr. Decker stated
Mr. Urmann said they were expecting a letter from him and Mr. Decker did not understand the
process to work that way.
Mr. Strathman stated there are two bases for him granting an appeal: 1) the owner was not
properly notified, 2) the orders aze unreasonable and improper. Mr. Decker responded they aze
unreasonable from the standpoint that he does not have the time and resources to do the work
they aze demanding he do. Mr. Strathman responded Mr. Urmann has said they are willing to
work with the owner. They are just not prepared to let it be indefinite. He encouraged Mr.
Decker to work with the inspector.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. (Mr. Urmann gave Mr. Decker his card and told Mr. Decker
to ca11 him so they could work something out.)
880 Wilson Avenue #4
Holly Kuhn appeared and stated she had a small fire in her kitchen approximately three weeks
ago. She has not had electricity since the end of May. Now the electricity has been paid and it is
on in her apartment.
(Ms. Kuhn showed Gerry Strathman and Pat Fish a receipt showing the electricity has been paid.)
Gerry Strathman asked was that the only basis for the condemnation. Pat Fish responded she
does not lrnow the balance on the account. She needs to verify the electricity. It was on short
notice because it originated from a firefighter that had been in the unit because of a fire. The
smoke detector was not working. Ms. Fish attempted to reach the tenant and contact the owner
and was unable to do either. She would like to check the smoke detector.
Mr. Strathxnan asked can she arrange to have the smoke detector checked. Ms. Kuhn responded
in the affirmative.
�-�c��
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLTNE 20, 2000 Page 6
Gerry Stratliman denied the appeal because the order was correct. Because the problem has been
taken care of, the order is of no importance. The owner should let Ms. Fish verify electrical
service and make sure the smoke detector is working.
693 Wilson Avenue
Pat Fish stated the owner of the building was not planuiug to attend the meeting today. Ms. Fish
does not haue any objections to a variance on the fire doors.
Gerry Strathman granted a variance on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions:
1) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire
rated doors, 2) the building must otherwise be in compliance.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
rrn
ORIGlNAL
Presented
Referred To
Council FIle # Op-LQ1
Green Sheet # 100421
Committee Date
1 BE I'P RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the June 20, 2000,
2 decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals far the following addresses:
3 Property Ap en aled
A nep llant
4 73 Leech Street (Laid over from 4-18-00) Laurie Colbecki, Women ofNations
5 Decision: Laid over to the July 20, 2000, Properry Code Enforcement meeting.
6 795 Sixth Street East (Laid over from 5-16-00)
Ed Reyes for Pagasa L.L.P.
7 Decision: Laid over to the July 11, 2000, Properiy Code Enfarcement meeting.
8
9 1021 Hudson Road (Laid over from 5-16-00) Lynette Swaser
10 Decision: Appeal denied on the Order to Vacate dated May 4, 2000.
11 726 Lincoln Avenue Frank and Nancy Martin
12 Decision: Appeal denied, but an extension granted to July 1, 2001, to comply with the Rainleader Ordinance.
13 422 Pierce Street #1 Robert Dellmore
14 Decision: Appeal denied on deficiency/conection list dated June 2, 2000.
15 1913 Carroll Avenue Curtis M. Decker
16 Decision: Appeal denied on the deficiency/correction list dated May 31, 2000.
17 880 Wilson Avenue #4 Holly Kuhn
18 Decision: Appeal denied on Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate dated June 16, 2000.
RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
0
19 693 Wilson Avenue Dartell Tutewohl
20 Decision: Variance granted on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions: 1) when the
21 nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire rated doors, 2) the
22 building must otherwise be in compliance.
Crreen Sheet 100421
Do -�p7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yeas Na s Absent
Blakey �
Coleman �/
Harris �
Benanav �
Reiter �
Bostrom ,/
Lantry ,/
`� D C�
8
9
10 Adopted by Council: Date: a a a o
11
12 Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
13 By: `o`� a . �
, �
14 Approved by Ma or:
15 Date: .� u�'�� 5 Zld��
16 By:
2
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
�
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
:
Council Offices
Gerry Strathman, 266-8560
June 28, 2000
June 21, 2000
�
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET
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(CLJP ALL IOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the 6-20-00 decisions of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code
Enforcement Appeals on the following addresses: 73 Leech Street, 795 Sixth Street East,
1021 Hudson Road, 726 Lincoln Avenue, 422 Pierce Street ��1, 1913 Carroll Avenue, 880 Wilson
Avenue 114, and 693 Wilson Avenue.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
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YES MO
Flas Mis DNeaJfirm e.er heen a d'�' dnPbY�?
YES NO
Dce6 this D�um G� a 516q nOt riwme�HP� M' anY wnent Cdy empbyce?
YES NO
la this pereoNfiim a tarpeted �n.v�doY7
YES NO
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Councs� Re��arc!? Cent�r
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TOTALAMOUNT OFTRANSACTION
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NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
Tuesday, June 20, 2000
Room 330 Courthouse
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 1:31 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: Pat Cahanes, Public Works-Sewer Utility; Pat Fist�, Fire Prevention; Mike
Urmann, Fire Prevention
73 Leech Street (Laid over from 4-18-00)
The following appeared: Laurie Colbeck, Women of Nafions, and Jerry Walsh, Project Manager
for Diversified Construction. Ms. Colbeck stated three of the azeas are almost completed. The
new shower azeas in the hallway and the residential azeas aze almost done. The new laundry area
will have washers and dryers this week. Additional electrical work will be done. There will be a
new bath and shower in the new bedroom. Mr. Walsh stated the new bedroom is close to
completion and may be finished next week. The shower units are set and plumb. They are
working on the sheetrock repairs and painting right now. A ceramic tile floor is going in. All the
small items aze very attainable.
Ms. Colbeck stated the final azea is the additional bathroom and shower that will be installed in
the location of the old laundry room. Mr. Walsh stated this area could not be approached until
the old laundry room got relocated into the new area.
Mike Urmann reported he took a tour with the appellant this morning to see the project. They aze
progressing very nicely and they are acting in good faith.
Gerry Strathman asked when the building will be fmished. Mr. Walsh responded a realistic date
would be three weeks.
Gerry Strathman laid over to the July 20 Properry Code Enforcement meeting.
795 Sixth Street East (Laid over from 5-16-00)
Gerry Strathman laid this over to the July 11, 2000, Property Code Enforcement meeting per a
note from Pat Fish, Fire Prevention, who will be inspecting the property at a later date.
1021 Hudson Road (Laid over from 5-16-00)
No one appeared to represent the property.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeai citing no one is here on behalf of the applicant.
o�-�o�
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLTNE 20, 2000 Page 2
726 Lincoln Avenue
Frank Ivlartin, owner, appeared and stated five yeazs ago, he was in this room and was granted
relief from having to connect two down spouts. He understood the relief was permanent. There
is no place to put the water on the east side of the house because of the topography. When he did
unhook the downspouts, water drained into the basement. He understood there would a chazge
on his sewer bill for the water. There aze siY downspouts on the house, four of which are
disconnected and drain away from the house. The other two downspouts aze impossible.
Gerry Strathxnan asked for a description of the house. (Mr. Martin showed Mr. Strathman a
diagram he drew of the outside of the house.)
For most City ordinances, stated Mr. Strathman, there is a provision to grant exceptions under
certain circumstances. This one is different because it results from a settlement of a lawsuit
between Saint Paul and the federal government having to do with the discharge of sewage into
the Mississippi River. The ordinance accepted by the federal government and adopted by the
City Council does not provide for any variances; however, the City may grant additional time.
That is undoubtedly what happened when Mr. Martin was here five years ago.
Pat Cahanes reported that on May 24, 1995, the properiy owner was granted a five year time
extension. Mr. Cahanes sent him a letter that the time extension had expired and it was time to
connect. He did an inspection of the property and feels there is adequate area to drain on the
west side. It was explained to Mr. Cahanes that the owner was worried about downspouts
crossing the sidewalk, but there are many properties in Saint Paul that have downspouts crossing
their sidewalk.
Mr. Strathman asked can those downspouts be closed off or are they essential to the roof
drainage. Mr. Cahanes responded the gutter to the north that drains the front porch area could be
rehung. Without changing all the gutters on the house, he is unsure about the other one. It could
be moved to a corner of the house instead of the center.
Any thoughts about the claim that water drains into the garden azea and migrates into the
basement, asked Mr. Stratlunan. The previous inspector, responded Mr. Cahanes, noted that it
needs an extension. There were no e�ensions done on the downspouts and it was draining next
to the foundation rather than across the sidewalk and into the garden azea.
Mr. Martin stated he does not agree with Mr. Cahanes. Water was draining across the sidewalk.
In a heavy rain, that small azea, which must be porous, goes right through the foundation. The
sidewalk is flush against the house. The vast majority of the water is iuvning across the sidewalk
out into the gazden area and ponding there. Mr. Cahanes responded he believes there aze options
with downspout relocation andlor installing an underground PVC pipe and draining it at the
south end of the properry, which would not be next to the foundation of the house.
�-�0
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF Jt7NE 20, 2000 Page 3
Mr. Martin stated he has an elm tree that is approxixuately three feet in diameter. Tree surgeons
have told him that the tree is infected as all trees aze in the City, and if the root system is
disturbed, it will kill the tree. It is surviving now because it has an excellent set of conditions.
Mr. Strathman stated he cannot grant a variance and it does not matter whether he would like to
or not. Neither can the City Council grant a variance without violating the ordinance which
provides for no variances. There may be expenses involved; therefore, he is willing to grant an
extension of one more year. Within that time, Mr. Martin will have to come up with a solution
for drainage. Public Works believes there aze solutions available. Mr. Martin responded one
solution is to hire a contractor to reset the house, but that is ridiculous.
Mr. Martin stated he would like his $25 appeal fee returned because there is no point to the
appeal; this is an unappealable issue. Mr. Strathman responded it is appealable with respect to
getting an extension. I£ Mr. Martin filed the appeal under the misconception that he could get a
variance, then the filing fee can be refunded.
Mr. Strathman asked does he want a one year extension. Mr. Martin responded he had better
take it.
Mr. Strathman granted an extension to July 1, 2001, to comply with Rainleader Ordinance 41.03.
422 Pierce Street #1
Robert Dellmore, tenant, appeared and stated ten days to bring his apartment into compliance is
harsh. He has no car, no money, and needs time off of work. He admits he is not a great
housekeeper, but is doing what he can to bring the apartment into compliance.
(Mike Urmann gave Gerry Strathman photographs of the apartment.)
Mr. Strathman stated the orders were issued June 2 and asked has progress been made. Mr.
Dellmore responded he believes so. He has a few things more to do. He does not know what is
really expected of him.
Mr. Strathman stated this situation has to be resoived. It is clearly a health hazard and cannot be
allowed to continue. He asked can this apartment be cleaned up in a week. Mr. Dellmore
responded he thinks he can.
Mr. Strathman stated he will deny the appeal, but the City Council will not approve his decision
until June 28�', and then the inspectors can deal with this more aggessively.
Robert Pilz, owner, 15801 Pilar Road North, appeared and stated Mr. Dellmore is a good tenant,
but the sanitary condition has to be conected.
c�o--�o
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLINE 20, 2000 Page 4
Mr. Stratlunan asked are there any resources. Mr. Pilz responded the tenant upstairs is a friend of
Mr. Dellmore's.
If this is not remedied, asked Mr. Strathman, what will happen. Mr. Urmann responded he will
wait until after June 28 to hear the City CounciPs decision on this matter. If the Council denies
the appeal, Fire wiil condemn the unit for non compliance, and issue a vacate date. Due to the
length of time it has already taken, the vacate date may be five days. Within that time, the unit
should be vacated or completely in compliance.
Mr. Dellmore asked will he be notified of a reinspection date and time so he can take time off
work and could the reinspection be done early in the morning. Mr. Urmann responded he will
give Mr. Dellmore a card and they will work something out.
(Mr. Dellmore viewed the photographs and he was given them.)
Gerry Slrathman denied the appeal. It is cleaz from the photographs that this is an unsanitary
condition that needs to be remedied.
1913 Carroll Avenue
Curtis M. Decker, owner, appeared and stated he had a certificate of occupancy inspection and
there were some items that needed to be corrected. He does not dispute the work needing to be
done; however, there is so much to do, there is no way he can complete the work in any
reasonable tune frame.
Gerry Strathman stated the list has four items. From the appeal letter, Items 3 and 4 aze not a
problem. The front entry stairs and the siding are the problem. Mr. Decker responded his plans
for this siuiuner are to repair the front entry stairs, which entails rebuilding the front porch. Fire
also wants him to stucco the addition. When he built the addition, it was to get rid of the safety
issue of what happens in the winter when water on the flat roof freezes and melts on the stairway.
Mr. Strathman asked did the permit call far siding. When he pulled the permit, responded Mr.
Decker, he was told he had an unlimited time to complete the project. The siding issue is strictly
cosmetic. He put some vinyl siding on the east side to protect it, the north side is under ihe eaves
and has 30 pound felt over the walls. It is weather tight and not leaking water into the house. It
is too much for him to tackle at once.
Mr. Strathman asked about the front steps and the porch and is it a hazard. Mr. Decker
responded no one has been hurt yet.
Mr. Strathman asked will the front porch be done by the end of the suinmer. Mr. Decker
responded that is the plan.
oc�--�c��
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JUNE 20, 2000 Page 5
Mike Urmann reported the inspector told him that this building is not problematic. The inspector
asked for the appellant to provide a letter with a date specific as to when the project will be
completed and the e�ension would be granted. At this point, Fire has not received a letter
regazding time.
Mr. Strathman asked about the siding. Mr. Decker responded he does not have a time frame for
it. Next stumner, he will move the garage. He wants to stucco it so it matches the rest of the
house. This involves heavy labor.
As far as the appeal is concerned, Mr. Strathman stated, there is no quesfion as to whether these
things need to be done and no question as to whether the owner is informed. The orders aze
correct. What Mr. Strathman was trying to do is get a specific time line to include in his
decision. The proper thing to do is to deny the appeal and Mr. Urmann has indicated the
inspectors are willing to work with the owner for a extended period of tune. Mr. Decker stated
Mr. Urmann said they were expecting a letter from him and Mr. Decker did not understand the
process to work that way.
Mr. Strathman stated there are two bases for him granting an appeal: 1) the owner was not
properly notified, 2) the orders aze unreasonable and improper. Mr. Decker responded they aze
unreasonable from the standpoint that he does not have the time and resources to do the work
they aze demanding he do. Mr. Strathman responded Mr. Urmann has said they are willing to
work with the owner. They are just not prepared to let it be indefinite. He encouraged Mr.
Decker to work with the inspector.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. (Mr. Urmann gave Mr. Decker his card and told Mr. Decker
to ca11 him so they could work something out.)
880 Wilson Avenue #4
Holly Kuhn appeared and stated she had a small fire in her kitchen approximately three weeks
ago. She has not had electricity since the end of May. Now the electricity has been paid and it is
on in her apartment.
(Ms. Kuhn showed Gerry Strathman and Pat Fish a receipt showing the electricity has been paid.)
Gerry Strathman asked was that the only basis for the condemnation. Pat Fish responded she
does not lrnow the balance on the account. She needs to verify the electricity. It was on short
notice because it originated from a firefighter that had been in the unit because of a fire. The
smoke detector was not working. Ms. Fish attempted to reach the tenant and contact the owner
and was unable to do either. She would like to check the smoke detector.
Mr. Strathxnan asked can she arrange to have the smoke detector checked. Ms. Kuhn responded
in the affirmative.
�-�c��
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF JLTNE 20, 2000 Page 6
Gerry Stratliman denied the appeal because the order was correct. Because the problem has been
taken care of, the order is of no importance. The owner should let Ms. Fish verify electrical
service and make sure the smoke detector is working.
693 Wilson Avenue
Pat Fish stated the owner of the building was not planuiug to attend the meeting today. Ms. Fish
does not haue any objections to a variance on the fire doors.
Gerry Strathman granted a variance on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions:
1) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire
rated doors, 2) the building must otherwise be in compliance.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
rrn