Loading...
00-759flRl�INAL Council File # b� —�1 S 9 Green Sheet # 104004 Presented CITY : RESOLUTION SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA Committee Date Referred To 1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the August 15, 2 2000, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Properiy Code Enforcement Appeals for the following 3 addresses: 4 Propertv Apgealed AnDeilant 5 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue C. Mix for Kasota Leasing, Inc. 6 Decision: Variance granted on the nonconforming doors with the foliowing conditions: 1) the building must 7 otherwise be in compliance, 2) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with 8 confornung fire rated doors. 9 833 Grand Avenue (Laid over from 7-11-00) William Wengier for Crrandco, Inc. 10 Decision: Variance granted on the requirement to provide a functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms of a11 ll apartments on the following condition: mechanical vents will be installed when major remodeling is done on 12 the properiy. 13 14 530 Charles Avenue Charles Aldrich 15 Decision: Appeal denied on vacant building registration fee. 16 1674 Marion Street Susan H. Clarin 17 Decision: E�ension granted to December 1, 2000, to hook the house sewer to the city sewex. 18 866 Jessie Street Jessica T. Bohar 19 Decision: Appeal denied, but vacate date ea�tended to September 3Q, 20Q0. 20 927 Hudson Road (Laid over from 7-11-00) Michael Fothergill 21 Decision: Laid over to the November 21, 2000, Properiy Code Enforcement meeting. 22 Green Sheet 104004 Oo -1S�y 2 8 9 10 il 12 13 14 15 Xeas Na s Absent Blakey Coleman Harris Benanav � Reiter � Bosh � Lanhy � � � � Adopted by Council: Date: � 3 n� Adoption rtified by Council Secretary By: � , �� � Approved by M r: �� Date: � B 2 Requested by Department of: By: Form Approved by City Attomey By: Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � City Council Offices Gerry Strathman, 266-856D 23, pAiE INITIpTEp a/is/z000 xureen wrz '. = TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES GREEN SHEET oc..R,�rnercrart ao-'14� No� ������`. u`vtowc�. ❑ an�nomlEr ❑ arceteu( ❑ wuw�.v�aQxcuan � r+�wcu��mnn�cera ❑r�vwtde�a.ssr� ❑ (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) Approving the 8-15-00 decision of the Legislativs Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement appeals for the following addresses: 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue, 833 Grand Avenue, 530 Charles Avenue, 1674 Marion Street, 866 Jessie Street, and 927 Hudson Road. PLANNING CAMMISSION CIB COMMITfEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Fqs this persorJfirm ever worked uiMer a coMrac[ fa tliis department? VES NO Flas the persarJfirm exr been a cily empbyee? YES NO Does this persoMrm poseess a sidll not nrnmallypossesseO by any curtent dty employeel VES N6 Is Nis per�rm a teryetetl venOOR YES NO ���R�41 ��SE?GfCSe � z's�ti.�P i � : .; , . l f'- I OP TRANSACTION SOURGE (E%PWtn COST/REVQIUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON� YES NO ACTNITY NUMBER 0 0 -'1 s'� NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING Tuesday, August 15, 2000 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer The meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Pat Fish, Fire Prevention; Steve Herbert, Public Works-Sewer Utility; Don Wagner, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP) 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue Carlton Mix, Kasota Leasing, appeazed to request a variance on the requirement to install fire rated doors. _ Pat Fish reported that the fire department has no objections to a variance. Gerry Stxathman granted a variance on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions: 1) the building must otherwise be in compliance, 2) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire rated doors. 833 Grand Avenue (Laid over from 7-i 1-00) Biil Wengler, Grandco, appeazed and stated he purchased the building approximately two years ago. After the most recent inspection, he received a list of 11 deficiencies. He is concerned with Item 7: functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms in all apariments. The property was built in 1915. A couple of the units have windows opening to a stairwell, but those windows were boarded. The others have no exterior violation. Pat Fish reported the inspector told her that this building has not caused any problems. It probably was the fire deparhnent that made a previous owner board up the windows entering onto the stairwell for fire purposes. She has no objections to a variance. Cserry Strathman granted a variance on the xequirement to provide a functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms of all apartments on the following condition: mechanical vents will be installed when major remodeling is done on the property. 530 Charles Avenue Charles Aldrich, owner, appeazed and stated he purchased a registered vacant building. He brought the house up to code, except for the retaining wall, handrails, and furnace duct work because he has been unemployed for 1.5 years and does not have the money. He has been living at this properiy for five years. Gerry Strathman stated he is puzzled that Mr. Aldrich is living in a vacant building. oa -�159 PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 Page 2 Don Wagner reported he discovered the occupancy in 3uly 1999, and ordered Mr. Aldrich to get a code compliance certificate. The inspection was done, but Mr. Aldrich did not do the work as Mr. Wagner had ordered, and a citation for living in a vacant building was issued. His living in a vacant building has been documented by the court. Mr. Strathman stated there is a photocopy of a check for last year's vacant building fee attached to the appeal application. The vacant building fee is seidom waived because it is a chazge that the City levies against all vacant buildings in the City to recover some of the costs far monitoring vacant buildings, which require a lot more inspection and attention than occupied buildings. Mr. Aldrich stated that this is an occupied building so it should not be on the vacant building list. Mr. Strathman responded illegal occupancy does not turn a vacant building into a non vacant building. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal on the vacant building registration fee citing he believes this is a vacant building and the fee is clearly due. Mr. Aldrich responded he would like to appeal this decision and Mr. Strathman explained the process. 1674 Marion Street Susan H. Clarin, owner, appeared and stated she has a septic tank that needs to be hooked up to the City sewer system. She was suppose to have it done by the end of June. She has a quote to do the work of $2,950, but cannot afford it now. Ms. Clarin would like to know how much work she can do on her own before having a licensed contractor do the work. The home was vacant from October to June. Someone is living there now and the septic tank is working fine. Ms. Clazin is requesring an extension to the end of July 2001. Steve Herbert reported that Tom LeClair (LIEP) and the Sewer Division believe the work should be done this year before the ground freezes. Gerry Strathman asked is there any work that can be done by the homeowner. Mr. Herbert responded owners are not allowed to do any work if it is a rental property unless the owner is a resident of the property. Therefore, she has to use commercial contractors. There is a sewer stub available to the property; the sidewalk and the street wouid not have to be disturbed. There may be a SAC (sewer availability charge). As sewer construction fees go, Mr. Strathman stated, this amount is not very high. Ms. Clarin respondedthe SAC is $1,100. Mr. Strathman asked are there City loan programs that can be used for this. Mr. Herbert responded a loan program may be available. He would have to study the charter for the loan program and discuss it with his division manager, but the loan would not include the SAC and assessment fees. To qualify, the owner would have to be current on her tases. PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 00 -�s9 Page 3 His information suggests the system is functional, stated Mr. Strathman. Mr. Herbert responded it is not backing into her house and there is no visible contuninafion. Mr. Strativnan asked is there a reason to believe this will be easier for her to deal with next year rather than now. Ms. Clarin responded she would like time to save money for the project. She is aiso considering selling the properiy, but it is 4�0 square feet and she is having a difficult tune finding a lender for this size property. Gerry Strathman granted an extension to December 1, 2000, to hook the house sewer to the City sewer. Also, the owner should contact Public Works to work out a loan arrangement to take care of some of these costs. 866 Jessie Street Pat Fish reported that Jessica T. Bohar, the owner, would like additional time to stay in the unit. Ms. Fish condemned the entire building due to severe storm and water damage from the previous year. The third and second floors aze total ruins, but the bottom floor is not as bad. The owner expressed that he will sell the properry or rehabilitate the entire building. Ms. Fish does not have a problem with an extension of 30 to 60 days. There is nothing life threatening here. Her vacate date is the end of August. Ms. Fish talked to Ms. Bohar's legal representative and they are coming up with a settlement for the relocation costs. Gerry Strathman denied the appeai, but extended the vacate date to September 30, 2000. 927 Hudson Road (Laid over from 7-11-QQ) Gerry Strathman stated this was discussed in early July. Michael Fothergill was going to do some work on the properiy and there was going to be an inspection. Michael Fothergill, owner, appeared and stated the properry was inspected the end of last week. Many items have been removed. There is no trash in the house. The cats and dogs are taken care of. He has been working on the downstairs. Representatives from Ramsey County Mentai Health helped him clean off the front parch; all the items have been removed from it. The garage is about half roofed. Someone is suppose to help him with the back porch. The social workers and Chuck V otel (Code Enforcement) were talking about a three to six month extension or more. Mr. Stratl�man asked can things get done in three months. Not all of it, responded Mr. Fothergill. The house is 120 years old. There are some code issues that need to be taken caze of. Mr. Strathman stated it is difficult for him to do much with this since there is no one here from Code Enforcement. He will take Mr. Fothergill's word that progress is being made. Ivfi�. Fothergill responded there is progress and he has gotten rid of a full dumpster already. The present dumpster is not half fiill, but it will be soon. 00 -1 S9 PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 Page 4 There was concern expressed about Mr. Fothergill's daughter at the July 11 meeting, stated Mr. Strathman. Mr. Fothergili responded he is the only pazent she has and he takes very good care of her. She is deaf and able to heaz with a hearing aid. Mr. Stratbman stated his concem is the daughter's welfare and that she has a proper place to live. Mr. Fothergill responded they get social security, and it does not go far. They have had a consistent place to live: they lived in an apartment for over three years, and haue lived in this house since 1995. They have food in the house. Gerry Strathman laid over this mater to the November 21, 2000, Properry Code Enforcement meeting to make sure progress is sfill being made on the properiy. Mr. Fothergill responded there will be a lot of progress by that fime. Also, he thought that his social worker and Daniel Le (representative) would be here. Mr. Fothergill asked what he should be concentrating on in the meantime. Mr. Strathman urged him to talk to Chuck Votel. (Note: a notice will be sent to Mr. Fothergill and Mr. Le for the November 21 meeting.) The meeting was adjourned at 2:02 p.m. � flRl�INAL Council File # b� —�1 S 9 Green Sheet # 104004 Presented CITY : RESOLUTION SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA Committee Date Referred To 1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the August 15, 2 2000, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Properiy Code Enforcement Appeals for the following 3 addresses: 4 Propertv Apgealed AnDeilant 5 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue C. Mix for Kasota Leasing, Inc. 6 Decision: Variance granted on the nonconforming doors with the foliowing conditions: 1) the building must 7 otherwise be in compliance, 2) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with 8 confornung fire rated doors. 9 833 Grand Avenue (Laid over from 7-11-00) William Wengier for Crrandco, Inc. 10 Decision: Variance granted on the requirement to provide a functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms of a11 ll apartments on the following condition: mechanical vents will be installed when major remodeling is done on 12 the properiy. 13 14 530 Charles Avenue Charles Aldrich 15 Decision: Appeal denied on vacant building registration fee. 16 1674 Marion Street Susan H. Clarin 17 Decision: E�ension granted to December 1, 2000, to hook the house sewer to the city sewex. 18 866 Jessie Street Jessica T. Bohar 19 Decision: Appeal denied, but vacate date ea�tended to September 3Q, 20Q0. 20 927 Hudson Road (Laid over from 7-11-00) Michael Fothergill 21 Decision: Laid over to the November 21, 2000, Properiy Code Enforcement meeting. 22 Green Sheet 104004 Oo -1S�y 2 8 9 10 il 12 13 14 15 Xeas Na s Absent Blakey Coleman Harris Benanav � Reiter � Bosh � Lanhy � � � � Adopted by Council: Date: � 3 n� Adoption rtified by Council Secretary By: � , �� � Approved by M r: �� Date: � B 2 Requested by Department of: By: Form Approved by City Attomey By: Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � City Council Offices Gerry Strathman, 266-856D 23, pAiE INITIpTEp a/is/z000 xureen wrz '. = TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES GREEN SHEET oc..R,�rnercrart ao-'14� No� ������`. u`vtowc�. ❑ an�nomlEr ❑ arceteu( ❑ wuw�.v�aQxcuan � r+�wcu��mnn�cera ❑r�vwtde�a.ssr� ❑ (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) Approving the 8-15-00 decision of the Legislativs Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement appeals for the following addresses: 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue, 833 Grand Avenue, 530 Charles Avenue, 1674 Marion Street, 866 Jessie Street, and 927 Hudson Road. PLANNING CAMMISSION CIB COMMITfEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Fqs this persorJfirm ever worked uiMer a coMrac[ fa tliis department? VES NO Flas the persarJfirm exr been a cily empbyee? YES NO Does this persoMrm poseess a sidll not nrnmallypossesseO by any curtent dty employeel VES N6 Is Nis per�rm a teryetetl venOOR YES NO ���R�41 ��SE?GfCSe � z's�ti.�P i � : .; , . l f'- I OP TRANSACTION SOURGE (E%PWtn COST/REVQIUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON� YES NO ACTNITY NUMBER 0 0 -'1 s'� NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING Tuesday, August 15, 2000 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer The meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Pat Fish, Fire Prevention; Steve Herbert, Public Works-Sewer Utility; Don Wagner, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP) 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue Carlton Mix, Kasota Leasing, appeazed to request a variance on the requirement to install fire rated doors. _ Pat Fish reported that the fire department has no objections to a variance. Gerry Stxathman granted a variance on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions: 1) the building must otherwise be in compliance, 2) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire rated doors. 833 Grand Avenue (Laid over from 7-i 1-00) Biil Wengler, Grandco, appeazed and stated he purchased the building approximately two years ago. After the most recent inspection, he received a list of 11 deficiencies. He is concerned with Item 7: functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms in all apariments. The property was built in 1915. A couple of the units have windows opening to a stairwell, but those windows were boarded. The others have no exterior violation. Pat Fish reported the inspector told her that this building has not caused any problems. It probably was the fire deparhnent that made a previous owner board up the windows entering onto the stairwell for fire purposes. She has no objections to a variance. Cserry Strathman granted a variance on the xequirement to provide a functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms of all apartments on the following condition: mechanical vents will be installed when major remodeling is done on the property. 530 Charles Avenue Charles Aldrich, owner, appeazed and stated he purchased a registered vacant building. He brought the house up to code, except for the retaining wall, handrails, and furnace duct work because he has been unemployed for 1.5 years and does not have the money. He has been living at this properiy for five years. Gerry Strathman stated he is puzzled that Mr. Aldrich is living in a vacant building. oa -�159 PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 Page 2 Don Wagner reported he discovered the occupancy in 3uly 1999, and ordered Mr. Aldrich to get a code compliance certificate. The inspection was done, but Mr. Aldrich did not do the work as Mr. Wagner had ordered, and a citation for living in a vacant building was issued. His living in a vacant building has been documented by the court. Mr. Strathman stated there is a photocopy of a check for last year's vacant building fee attached to the appeal application. The vacant building fee is seidom waived because it is a chazge that the City levies against all vacant buildings in the City to recover some of the costs far monitoring vacant buildings, which require a lot more inspection and attention than occupied buildings. Mr. Aldrich stated that this is an occupied building so it should not be on the vacant building list. Mr. Strathman responded illegal occupancy does not turn a vacant building into a non vacant building. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal on the vacant building registration fee citing he believes this is a vacant building and the fee is clearly due. Mr. Aldrich responded he would like to appeal this decision and Mr. Strathman explained the process. 1674 Marion Street Susan H. Clarin, owner, appeared and stated she has a septic tank that needs to be hooked up to the City sewer system. She was suppose to have it done by the end of June. She has a quote to do the work of $2,950, but cannot afford it now. Ms. Clarin would like to know how much work she can do on her own before having a licensed contractor do the work. The home was vacant from October to June. Someone is living there now and the septic tank is working fine. Ms. Clazin is requesring an extension to the end of July 2001. Steve Herbert reported that Tom LeClair (LIEP) and the Sewer Division believe the work should be done this year before the ground freezes. Gerry Strathman asked is there any work that can be done by the homeowner. Mr. Herbert responded owners are not allowed to do any work if it is a rental property unless the owner is a resident of the property. Therefore, she has to use commercial contractors. There is a sewer stub available to the property; the sidewalk and the street wouid not have to be disturbed. There may be a SAC (sewer availability charge). As sewer construction fees go, Mr. Strathman stated, this amount is not very high. Ms. Clarin respondedthe SAC is $1,100. Mr. Strathman asked are there City loan programs that can be used for this. Mr. Herbert responded a loan program may be available. He would have to study the charter for the loan program and discuss it with his division manager, but the loan would not include the SAC and assessment fees. To qualify, the owner would have to be current on her tases. PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 00 -�s9 Page 3 His information suggests the system is functional, stated Mr. Strathman. Mr. Herbert responded it is not backing into her house and there is no visible contuninafion. Mr. Strativnan asked is there a reason to believe this will be easier for her to deal with next year rather than now. Ms. Clarin responded she would like time to save money for the project. She is aiso considering selling the properiy, but it is 4�0 square feet and she is having a difficult tune finding a lender for this size property. Gerry Strathman granted an extension to December 1, 2000, to hook the house sewer to the City sewer. Also, the owner should contact Public Works to work out a loan arrangement to take care of some of these costs. 866 Jessie Street Pat Fish reported that Jessica T. Bohar, the owner, would like additional time to stay in the unit. Ms. Fish condemned the entire building due to severe storm and water damage from the previous year. The third and second floors aze total ruins, but the bottom floor is not as bad. The owner expressed that he will sell the properry or rehabilitate the entire building. Ms. Fish does not have a problem with an extension of 30 to 60 days. There is nothing life threatening here. Her vacate date is the end of August. Ms. Fish talked to Ms. Bohar's legal representative and they are coming up with a settlement for the relocation costs. Gerry Strathman denied the appeai, but extended the vacate date to September 30, 2000. 927 Hudson Road (Laid over from 7-11-QQ) Gerry Strathman stated this was discussed in early July. Michael Fothergill was going to do some work on the properiy and there was going to be an inspection. Michael Fothergill, owner, appeared and stated the properry was inspected the end of last week. Many items have been removed. There is no trash in the house. The cats and dogs are taken care of. He has been working on the downstairs. Representatives from Ramsey County Mentai Health helped him clean off the front parch; all the items have been removed from it. The garage is about half roofed. Someone is suppose to help him with the back porch. The social workers and Chuck V otel (Code Enforcement) were talking about a three to six month extension or more. Mr. Stratl�man asked can things get done in three months. Not all of it, responded Mr. Fothergill. The house is 120 years old. There are some code issues that need to be taken caze of. Mr. Strathman stated it is difficult for him to do much with this since there is no one here from Code Enforcement. He will take Mr. Fothergill's word that progress is being made. Ivfi�. Fothergill responded there is progress and he has gotten rid of a full dumpster already. The present dumpster is not half fiill, but it will be soon. 00 -1 S9 PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 Page 4 There was concern expressed about Mr. Fothergill's daughter at the July 11 meeting, stated Mr. Strathman. Mr. Fothergili responded he is the only pazent she has and he takes very good care of her. She is deaf and able to heaz with a hearing aid. Mr. Stratbman stated his concem is the daughter's welfare and that she has a proper place to live. Mr. Fothergill responded they get social security, and it does not go far. They have had a consistent place to live: they lived in an apartment for over three years, and haue lived in this house since 1995. They have food in the house. Gerry Strathman laid over this mater to the November 21, 2000, Properry Code Enforcement meeting to make sure progress is sfill being made on the properiy. Mr. Fothergill responded there will be a lot of progress by that fime. Also, he thought that his social worker and Daniel Le (representative) would be here. Mr. Fothergill asked what he should be concentrating on in the meantime. Mr. Strathman urged him to talk to Chuck Votel. (Note: a notice will be sent to Mr. Fothergill and Mr. Le for the November 21 meeting.) The meeting was adjourned at 2:02 p.m. � flRl�INAL Council File # b� —�1 S 9 Green Sheet # 104004 Presented CITY : RESOLUTION SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA Committee Date Referred To 1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby certifies and approves the August 15, 2 2000, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Properiy Code Enforcement Appeals for the following 3 addresses: 4 Propertv Apgealed AnDeilant 5 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue C. Mix for Kasota Leasing, Inc. 6 Decision: Variance granted on the nonconforming doors with the foliowing conditions: 1) the building must 7 otherwise be in compliance, 2) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with 8 confornung fire rated doors. 9 833 Grand Avenue (Laid over from 7-11-00) William Wengier for Crrandco, Inc. 10 Decision: Variance granted on the requirement to provide a functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms of a11 ll apartments on the following condition: mechanical vents will be installed when major remodeling is done on 12 the properiy. 13 14 530 Charles Avenue Charles Aldrich 15 Decision: Appeal denied on vacant building registration fee. 16 1674 Marion Street Susan H. Clarin 17 Decision: E�ension granted to December 1, 2000, to hook the house sewer to the city sewex. 18 866 Jessie Street Jessica T. Bohar 19 Decision: Appeal denied, but vacate date ea�tended to September 3Q, 20Q0. 20 927 Hudson Road (Laid over from 7-11-00) Michael Fothergill 21 Decision: Laid over to the November 21, 2000, Properiy Code Enforcement meeting. 22 Green Sheet 104004 Oo -1S�y 2 8 9 10 il 12 13 14 15 Xeas Na s Absent Blakey Coleman Harris Benanav � Reiter � Bosh � Lanhy � � � � Adopted by Council: Date: � 3 n� Adoption rtified by Council Secretary By: � , �� � Approved by M r: �� Date: � B 2 Requested by Department of: By: Form Approved by City Attomey By: Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � City Council Offices Gerry Strathman, 266-856D 23, pAiE INITIpTEp a/is/z000 xureen wrz '. = TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES GREEN SHEET oc..R,�rnercrart ao-'14� No� ������`. u`vtowc�. ❑ an�nomlEr ❑ arceteu( ❑ wuw�.v�aQxcuan � r+�wcu��mnn�cera ❑r�vwtde�a.ssr� ❑ (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) Approving the 8-15-00 decision of the Legislativs Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement appeals for the following addresses: 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue, 833 Grand Avenue, 530 Charles Avenue, 1674 Marion Street, 866 Jessie Street, and 927 Hudson Road. PLANNING CAMMISSION CIB COMMITfEE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Fqs this persorJfirm ever worked uiMer a coMrac[ fa tliis department? VES NO Flas the persarJfirm exr been a cily empbyee? YES NO Does this persoMrm poseess a sidll not nrnmallypossesseO by any curtent dty employeel VES N6 Is Nis per�rm a teryetetl venOOR YES NO ���R�41 ��SE?GfCSe � z's�ti.�P i � : .; , . l f'- I OP TRANSACTION SOURGE (E%PWtn COST/REVQIUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON� YES NO ACTNITY NUMBER 0 0 -'1 s'� NOTES OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING Tuesday, August 15, 2000 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer The meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Pat Fish, Fire Prevention; Steve Herbert, Public Works-Sewer Utility; Don Wagner, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP) 1225 and 1231 St. Clair Avenue Carlton Mix, Kasota Leasing, appeazed to request a variance on the requirement to install fire rated doors. _ Pat Fish reported that the fire department has no objections to a variance. Gerry Stxathman granted a variance on the nonconforming doors with the following conditions: 1) the building must otherwise be in compliance, 2) when the nonconforming doors need to be replaced, they will be replaced with conforming fire rated doors. 833 Grand Avenue (Laid over from 7-i 1-00) Biil Wengler, Grandco, appeazed and stated he purchased the building approximately two years ago. After the most recent inspection, he received a list of 11 deficiencies. He is concerned with Item 7: functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms in all apariments. The property was built in 1915. A couple of the units have windows opening to a stairwell, but those windows were boarded. The others have no exterior violation. Pat Fish reported the inspector told her that this building has not caused any problems. It probably was the fire deparhnent that made a previous owner board up the windows entering onto the stairwell for fire purposes. She has no objections to a variance. Cserry Strathman granted a variance on the xequirement to provide a functional mechanical vent in the bathrooms of all apartments on the following condition: mechanical vents will be installed when major remodeling is done on the property. 530 Charles Avenue Charles Aldrich, owner, appeazed and stated he purchased a registered vacant building. He brought the house up to code, except for the retaining wall, handrails, and furnace duct work because he has been unemployed for 1.5 years and does not have the money. He has been living at this properiy for five years. Gerry Strathman stated he is puzzled that Mr. Aldrich is living in a vacant building. oa -�159 PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 Page 2 Don Wagner reported he discovered the occupancy in 3uly 1999, and ordered Mr. Aldrich to get a code compliance certificate. The inspection was done, but Mr. Aldrich did not do the work as Mr. Wagner had ordered, and a citation for living in a vacant building was issued. His living in a vacant building has been documented by the court. Mr. Strathman stated there is a photocopy of a check for last year's vacant building fee attached to the appeal application. The vacant building fee is seidom waived because it is a chazge that the City levies against all vacant buildings in the City to recover some of the costs far monitoring vacant buildings, which require a lot more inspection and attention than occupied buildings. Mr. Aldrich stated that this is an occupied building so it should not be on the vacant building list. Mr. Strathman responded illegal occupancy does not turn a vacant building into a non vacant building. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal on the vacant building registration fee citing he believes this is a vacant building and the fee is clearly due. Mr. Aldrich responded he would like to appeal this decision and Mr. Strathman explained the process. 1674 Marion Street Susan H. Clarin, owner, appeared and stated she has a septic tank that needs to be hooked up to the City sewer system. She was suppose to have it done by the end of June. She has a quote to do the work of $2,950, but cannot afford it now. Ms. Clarin would like to know how much work she can do on her own before having a licensed contractor do the work. The home was vacant from October to June. Someone is living there now and the septic tank is working fine. Ms. Clazin is requesring an extension to the end of July 2001. Steve Herbert reported that Tom LeClair (LIEP) and the Sewer Division believe the work should be done this year before the ground freezes. Gerry Strathman asked is there any work that can be done by the homeowner. Mr. Herbert responded owners are not allowed to do any work if it is a rental property unless the owner is a resident of the property. Therefore, she has to use commercial contractors. There is a sewer stub available to the property; the sidewalk and the street wouid not have to be disturbed. There may be a SAC (sewer availability charge). As sewer construction fees go, Mr. Strathman stated, this amount is not very high. Ms. Clarin respondedthe SAC is $1,100. Mr. Strathman asked are there City loan programs that can be used for this. Mr. Herbert responded a loan program may be available. He would have to study the charter for the loan program and discuss it with his division manager, but the loan would not include the SAC and assessment fees. To qualify, the owner would have to be current on her tases. PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 00 -�s9 Page 3 His information suggests the system is functional, stated Mr. Strathman. Mr. Herbert responded it is not backing into her house and there is no visible contuninafion. Mr. Strativnan asked is there a reason to believe this will be easier for her to deal with next year rather than now. Ms. Clarin responded she would like time to save money for the project. She is aiso considering selling the properiy, but it is 4�0 square feet and she is having a difficult tune finding a lender for this size property. Gerry Strathman granted an extension to December 1, 2000, to hook the house sewer to the City sewer. Also, the owner should contact Public Works to work out a loan arrangement to take care of some of these costs. 866 Jessie Street Pat Fish reported that Jessica T. Bohar, the owner, would like additional time to stay in the unit. Ms. Fish condemned the entire building due to severe storm and water damage from the previous year. The third and second floors aze total ruins, but the bottom floor is not as bad. The owner expressed that he will sell the properry or rehabilitate the entire building. Ms. Fish does not have a problem with an extension of 30 to 60 days. There is nothing life threatening here. Her vacate date is the end of August. Ms. Fish talked to Ms. Bohar's legal representative and they are coming up with a settlement for the relocation costs. Gerry Strathman denied the appeai, but extended the vacate date to September 30, 2000. 927 Hudson Road (Laid over from 7-11-QQ) Gerry Strathman stated this was discussed in early July. Michael Fothergill was going to do some work on the properiy and there was going to be an inspection. Michael Fothergill, owner, appeared and stated the properry was inspected the end of last week. Many items have been removed. There is no trash in the house. The cats and dogs are taken care of. He has been working on the downstairs. Representatives from Ramsey County Mentai Health helped him clean off the front parch; all the items have been removed from it. The garage is about half roofed. Someone is suppose to help him with the back porch. The social workers and Chuck V otel (Code Enforcement) were talking about a three to six month extension or more. Mr. Stratl�man asked can things get done in three months. Not all of it, responded Mr. Fothergill. The house is 120 years old. There are some code issues that need to be taken caze of. Mr. Strathman stated it is difficult for him to do much with this since there is no one here from Code Enforcement. He will take Mr. Fothergill's word that progress is being made. Ivfi�. Fothergill responded there is progress and he has gotten rid of a full dumpster already. The present dumpster is not half fiill, but it will be soon. 00 -1 S9 PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 8-15-2000 Page 4 There was concern expressed about Mr. Fothergill's daughter at the July 11 meeting, stated Mr. Strathman. Mr. Fothergili responded he is the only pazent she has and he takes very good care of her. She is deaf and able to heaz with a hearing aid. Mr. Stratbman stated his concem is the daughter's welfare and that she has a proper place to live. Mr. Fothergill responded they get social security, and it does not go far. They have had a consistent place to live: they lived in an apartment for over three years, and haue lived in this house since 1995. They have food in the house. Gerry Strathman laid over this mater to the November 21, 2000, Properry Code Enforcement meeting to make sure progress is sfill being made on the properiy. Mr. Fothergill responded there will be a lot of progress by that fime. Also, he thought that his social worker and Daniel Le (representative) would be here. Mr. Fothergill asked what he should be concentrating on in the meantime. Mr. Strathman urged him to talk to Chuck Votel. (Note: a notice will be sent to Mr. Fothergill and Mr. Le for the November 21 meeting.) The meeting was adjourned at 2:02 p.m. �