02-1097A m�.a,�.a. - Ndv. �o, �aoa '� File # oa- ��r
Green Sheet # Jo�yaa
RESOLUTION
OF
Presented By
Referred To
PAUL, MINNESOTA
53
Committee: Date
1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City Council
2 to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and
3 removal of a two-story, wood frame, stucco exterior dwelling and the detached, two-stall, wood frame
4 garage located on properiy hereinafter referred to as the "Sub}ect Properiy" and commonly known as 136
5 Wilder Street North. This property is legally described as follows, to wit:
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The North 58 feet of Lot 8, Block 14, "Second Addition Merriam Park" to the City of St.
Paul
WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information
obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before March 31, 2002, the following are the now known
interested or responsible parties for the Subj ect Property: James M. Fitzpatrick & Barbara M. Fitzpatrick,
2012 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104-5823; Dianne Lynette Fouts Fitzpatrick, 1834 Laurel Avenue,
St. Paul, MN 55104; Attomey Lawrence D. Olson, D. Olson & Associates, P.A., 2860 Snelling Ave. N,
St. Paul, MN 55113; City and County Credit Union, 144 B. 11 `� Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order identified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance
Building(s)" dated August 20, 2002; and
WHEREAS, this order inforxned the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure
located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or
demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by September 19, 2002; and
WHEREAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placard on the Subject Property declaring this
building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and
WHEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Division of Code Enforcement
requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City
Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and
WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the
public hearings; and
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1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the 5aint Paul City
2 Council on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 to hear testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony and
3 evidence, made the recommendation to approve the request to order the interested or responsible parties to
4 make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfaze and
5 remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating tYus structure in accordance with all
6 applicable codes and ordinances, or in the altemative by demolishing and removing the structure in
7 accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitarion or demolition of the structure to be
8 completed within £� days e the date of the Council Hearin • and
v_ena.�i� r. eC ��lo\. � .�e .��000.oeho�v� �s
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10 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before� 3�[ic �t, i.�tn�i on�ve�nes a�y,�,'Qb�'�tr,
11 2002 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer was
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considered by the Council; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testnnony and evidence presented at the above referenced
public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the
Subject Property at 136 Wilder Street North:
That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
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That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed three
thousand dollars($3,000.00).
That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the
Subject Property.
That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties
to conect the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s).
That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition haue not been corrected.
That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property which
declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division of
Code Enforcement, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings.
8. That the lrnown interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and
that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 haue been fulfilled.
ORDER
The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order:
The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not
detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the
community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above
referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and
ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the shucture in accordance with all
applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure
must be completed within�5� days after the date of the Council Hearing.
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If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Citizen Service Office,
Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to
demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the Subject
Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal
properry or fixtures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed
from the properiy by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If all personal properiy
is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and
dispose of such property as provided by law.
4. It is fiu ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties in
accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
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Citizen Serv'ce Office• Code Enforcement
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� Form Approved by City Attorney
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By:
Adopted by Council: Date CN �� �5.,,,,
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
sy:
Approved
By:
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for
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Division of Code Enforcement
Andy Dawkins 266-8427
AUST BE ON COIdJqL AGB-1N BY (�4'
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TOTAL � OF SIGNATURE PAGES �_
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GREEN SHEET
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No1024J9.
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(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
City Council to pass this resolution whidh will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered
to remove the building. The subject properiy is located at 136 Wilder Street North.
PLANNING CAMMISSION
qB COMMITTEE
CML SERVICE CAMMISSION
Fiaa this pe�soMrm aRrMariaetl uMer a canhact forfhie tlepaM�enl7
YES NO
Fias mis {�sa'uTi'm ever been a aty emvbyceT ' �
YES , N�
Does Mis P� G� a sk7 not �urmalA'P� M anY anrent cilY �P��
YES NO
k ihis P�rm a tatgetetl ve'daYl .
YR NO
This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Ghapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of
; the Saint Pau1 Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement
Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 136 Wilder Street North by September 19, 2002,
and have failed to corriply wiYh those orders.
PIOV 1 2 20�2
The City wiTl eliminate a nuisance.
MAY�R`S Ci�FICE
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property,
collected as a snecial assessment asainst the roronertv tases.
A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community.
-$9,000 coaTm�oiue euoc�EO �caxc�r or� � rES/ �
sourcce Nuisance Housing Abatement � 33261
INFORANTION (D�Wln � � �/ � I 1 / � �
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OCT��2002
�;-.�A-EEO�mploy� CITY ATTORNEI(
CITIZEN SERV[CE OFFICE
Donald J. Luna, Ciry Clerk
DNIS[ON OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEM
Andy Dawhlns, Program ,Kanager
C I y 1 �F Sa�T pA�. Nuisance Butlding Cod¢ Enforcemvnt
Randy C. Ke[ly, Mayor 1600 North White Bea�Avenue Tel: 651-266-1900
SairstPaul, MN55102 Faz: 651-266-192b
October 18, 2002
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President and
Members of the City Council
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Citizen Service Office, VacanUNuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the City
Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the
nuisance building(s) located at:
136 Wilder Street North
The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, l�ovember 12, 2002
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, November 20, 2002
The owners and responsible parties of record aze:
Name and Last Known Address
James M. Fitzpatrick & Barbaza M.
Interest
Fee Owner
Fitzpatrick
2012 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104-5823
Dianne Lynette Fouts Fitzpatrick
1834 Laurel Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
Ex-Wife
Attomey Lawrence D. Olson
D. Olson & Associates, P.A.
2860 Snellin� Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55113
City and County Credit Union
144 E. 11'" Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Attomey
Mortgagee/Lienor
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136 Wilder Street North
October 18, 2002
Pa�e 2
The legal description of this property is:
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The North 58 feet of Lot 8, Block 14, "Second Addition Mzrriam Park" to the City
of St. Paul.
Aivision of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined
by Legislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then
known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by correctin� the deficiencies or by
razin� and removin� this building(s).
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the blighting influence of this property. It is the
recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution
ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely
manner, and failin� that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition
and removal, and to assess the costs incuned a�ainst the real estate as a special assessment to be
collected in the sazne manner as tases.
Sincerely,
10
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Steve Magner
Vacant Buildings Supervisor
Division of Code Enforcement
Citizen Service Office
SM:mI
cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Design
Meghan Riley, City Attomeys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council
Laurie Kaplan, PED-Housin� Division
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Date: November 12, 2002
Time: 10:00 a.m.
130 p.m. - 1�60 Westerr,
Place: Room 330 City Hall
15 West Keliogg Boulevard
Mazcia Moermond
Legislarive Hearing Officer
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 860 Euclid Street. If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Neighborhood Housing and Properry
Improvement (NHPn is ordered to remove the building.
(Laid over from 10-8-02)
Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval.
2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 706 Charles Avenue.
If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to remove the building.
Legislative Hearing Officer recommends granting the owner 180 days to complete the
rehabilitation of the property if the following is done by noon of November 20, 2002:
1) post the $2,000 bond, 2} pay the $200 vacant building fee.
3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 695 Charles Avenue.
If the owner fails to �omply with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to remove the building.
Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends approval.
4. Resolurion ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 278 Top i�n Street.
If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to remove the building.
Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends granting the owner 180 days to complete #he
rehabilitation of the property if the following is done by noon of November 20, 2002: 1)
post the $2,000 bond, 2) pay the $200 vacant building fee, 3) apply for a code
compliance inspection.
�i 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the �uilding(s) at 136 Wilder Street
North. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to remove the
building.
Legislative Hearing Officer recommends granting the owner 180 days to complete the
rehabilitation of the properry if the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of November 20, 2�02.
LEGISLATIVE FiEARING REPORT OF NOVEMBER 12, 2002 Page 2
6. Appeal of Notice of Condemnation and Order to Vacate at 1560 Westem Avenue North.
(Heard at 1:30 meeting.?
I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal.
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MINL7TES OF TT� LEGISLATIVE FiEARING
Tues3ay, November 12, 2002
Room 330 Courthou,e
Mazcia Moermond, Legisiative Hearing Officer
The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m.
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STAFF PRESENT: Steve Magner, Neighborhood Housing and Properry Improvement (NHPn;
Fallon Kelly, NHPI
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 860 Euclid Street If
the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Neighborhood Housing and Property
Improvement (NHPn is ordered to remove the 6uilding.
(Laid over from 10-5-02)
(No one appeared to represent the property.)
Steve Magner reported the owner was not planning on attending today. The owner knew this
was the third and final layover, and he has until November 20 to solve all of his issues. He is
hoping to get a sign off by Bill Singer, LIEP (License, Inspections, Environmental Protection) by
that time. fihe original legislative hearing was March 26, 2002. The discussion was continued
several times so the new owner could finish the project. He made progress, but has not
completed the work on the properCy.
Marcia Moermond asked was there a code compliance inspection. Mr. Magner responded yes
and that most of the work is completed.
Ms. Moermond recommends approval of the resolurion and noted it is anticipated that the
. uisance conditions will be conected by November 20, 2002.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 706 Charles Avenue.
If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, NFIPI is ordered to remove the building.
(Note: the City Council referred this matter back to the Legislative Hearing Officer.)
Chesiey Dailey, co-owner, appeazed and stated he and his wife own the properry.
Steve Magner reported this is a i%z story wood frame single family structure. It was condemned
December 19, 20Q1, and has been vacant since December 26, 2001. The current owners are
Josala Landvick and Chesley Dailey. There have been rivo suuuuary abatement notices issued to
cut grass, remove refuse, and secure the building. On Mazch 7, 2002, an inspection of the
building was conducted, a list of deficiencies which constitute a nuisance condition was
developed and photographs were taken. An Order to Abate a Nuisance Building was issued on
August 28, 2002, with a compiiance date of September 27, 2002. As of this date, this properiy
remains in a condition which comprises a nuisance as defined by the legislative code. The $200
vacant building fee is due. Real estate taaces are unpaid in the amount of $1,282.98 for 2001 and
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINiTTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2002 Page 2
2002. Tax2tion has placed an estimated market value of $5,100 on the land and $42,100 on the
building. As of today, a bond has not been posted. NHPI Officers estimate the cost to repair is
$60,000 to $70,000; estimated cost to demolish, $6,000 to $7,000.
�Josala Landvick, co-owner, arrived.)
Mr. Dailey stated he has done most of the work and there is not much left. The codes, vacant
building fee, and t�es had not heen paid because he did not have the money. In another 45 to 60
days, he could have the property where it is suppose to be. None of the tenants paid the rent.
When it was raided, it got wrecked. Not much has to be done. Mr. Dailey is requesting an
extension of time to complete the work.
Mazcia Moermond stated they have not posted the bond that is required, nor the vacant building
fee, and the taxes are owing on this property. These aze not good indicators. Mr. Dailey
responded he would like to refinance the place, and Ms. Landvick will switch it over to his name.
Ms. I,andvick stated she and Mr. Dailey aze going through a divorce. He was supposed to get
two houses, and she was suppose to maintain responsibility for her part. Mr. Dailey has not been
paying any fines, said Ms. Landvick, and he let his son live there, who did not pay any rent. Ms.
Landvick is paying the mortgage, which is in her name. Mr. Dailey is not responsible enough to
take caze of the property and maintain it; therefore, she will take responsibility for the properry
unrii everything is transferred into his name. Whatever fines need to be paid, she can work
something out. In the future, everythuig should be mailed and billed to her.
Mr. Dailey stated most of the work is done. Jim Singer and Don Wagner (LIEP) looked over the
list, and checked off the things that need to be finished. He had to pay for the code compliance
inspection. He asked his wife to help him because he did not have the money.
Based on what is in front of her and the building's conditions, Ms. Moermond stated, she finds
that NHPI acted correctly in issuing an order to remove or repair 706 Charles. When the Council
has its next public hearing, her recommendation will be that the resolution stands. If the owners
post a bond and pay the vacant building fee, the City Council may grant an extension, as those
would be signs that the owners are serious about making progress.
Mr. Magner stated the owners need to post the bond and obtain the rest of the pernuts needed for
rehabilitarion. In answer to questions from Ms. Landvick, Mr. Magner went on to say that the
bond is a$2,000 performance bond posted with LIEP. The owner can go to a bonding agency to
buy a bond. Once the bond is posted, the owners can puli the other pernuts. The permit costs aze
based on the scope of work provided. The bond requirement cannot be waived once a property
gets to this stage. The City is asking for a bond to guazantee that the owners have some monies
to complete the project. Once the bond is posted, the owner will have 180 days to complete the
rehabilitation of the property.
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2002 Page 3
Ms. Landvick asked when someone was at the property to inspe�t it. Mr. Magner responded the
code compliance inspection was done in March 2002. The owner can go to LIEP ta get a copy of
the inspection.
Ms. Landvick stated she will try to get the bond and the vacant building fee paid by November
20.
Ms. Moermond recommends granting the owner 180 days to complete the rehabilitation of the
property if the following is done by noon of November 20, 2002: 1) $2,000 bond is posted, 2)
$200 vacant building fee is paid. Also, Ms. Moermond reminded the owners that the taxes will
be a problem if they aze not paid. (Mr. Magner gave Ms. Landvick address information for
posting the bond and paying the vacant building fee. Ms. Landvick gave Mr. Magner her coaect
address information.)
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 695 Charles Avenue.
If the owner fails to compty with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to reffiove the building.
(Steve Magner submitted photographs.)
James L. Redwood, 991 Selby Avenue, appeazed and stated he had a fire at the home and is in
the process of selling it. He has a lien on the property for child support. He offered the State a
settlement, and he is waiting for the settlement to come back.
Steve Magner reported this is a rivo story wood frame house. It was condemned August 19,
2002, by NHPI. It has been vacant since Febniary 16, 2002. Theze have been four summary
abatement notices issued to remove refuse and cut tall grass. On August 13, 2002, an inspection
of the building was conducted, a list of deficiencies which constitute a nuisance condifion was
developed, and photographs were taken. An order to abate a nuisance building was issued on
August 19, 2002, with a compliance date of September 18. As of this date, this property remains
in a condition which comprises a nuisance as defined by the legislative code. The vacant
building fee is due. Real Estate taxes aze unpaid of $249. Taatation has placed an estimated
mazket value of $2,300 on the land, $20,000 for the building. As of today, a Code Compliance
Inspection has not been applied for nor a$2,000 bond posted. Code Enforcement estimates the
cost to repair is $50,000; estimated cost to demolish, $8,000 to $9,000.
Mazcia Moermond asked is Tasation's mazket value done before or after the fire. Mr. Magner
responded he wouid suspect that was before the fire. Those numbers aze generally not changed
very quickly unless the evaluator was in the neighborhood right afEer the fire.
Ms. Moermond asked did Mr. Redwood disagree with any of the facts presented. Mr. Redwood
responded not really. He thought the adjuster had handled all of that. He is wairing for an
answer from child support collections because they had a lien on the property. As soon as they
accept a settlement, he will be selling the property. If they do not accept the settlement, he wili
still be selling the property.
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUT'ES OF NOVEMLiER 12, 20�2 Page 4
Ms. Moermond asked were these arrangements made before the ire occurred in August. Mr.
Redwood responded they were made after the fire. Mr. Mao,ner stated there were two fires at this
properry. The original fire ca11 was brought to NHPI's attention on February 16. The building
was registered as a vacant building at that time.
Based on the facts in front of her, Ms. Moermond stated, NHPI officers acted reasonably and
consistendy on the facts issued in ttus order; therefore, she will recommend the Council approve
the order at their City Council meeting on November 20.
Mr. Redwood asked about selling it. Ms. Moermond responded the condemnation order and the
order to remove or repair aze based on the building's condition, and not based on the
circumstances having to do with the sale and transfer of ttus property. 'I'he building is in a
condition that is dangerous. The owner needs to deal with that first and foremost. Ms.
Moermond suggests that he contact the Councilmember representing that wazd.
Mr. Redwood asked how NHPI derives at $50,000 for repairs if they have not seen the inside of
the building. Mr. Magner responded it is based on the estimate from the fire loss reports, which
total in excess of $30,000. Also, they look at the condition of the house besides the fue.
Ms. Moermond suggested that Mr. Redwood post the bond and pay the vacant building fees to
indicate his seriousness in rehabilitating this structure or selling it to someone who will do so.
Mr. Magner added the owner needs to get a truth-in-housing or code compliance inspection to be
in compliance with the truth and sell of housing ordinance. The truth-in-housing would be best
because the owner will need that anyway to sell the property. The owner cannot show the
property without obtaining one of those documents. For a single family residence, that would be
$100.
Ms. Moermond asked if he understood her recommendafion to the Council. Mr. Redwood
responded in the affumative.
Mr. Redwood asked what would happen if he does not post the bond by noon of November 20.
Ms. Moermond responded she will recommend that the building be removed or repaired
regardless of whether the bond is posted; however, if he posts the bond, that will be a strong
indicator that he is going to rehabilitate the building.
Ms. Moermond recommends approval of the resolurion.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 278 Top ing Street.
If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to remove the building.
(Steve Magner submitted photographs.)
SYeve Magner reported this is a two story single family structure. It has been vacant since April
19, 2001. The current owner is Kenneth Abosi. There have been four summary abatement
notices to clean the yazd, cut ta11 grass, and secure the property. On August 15, 2002, an
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LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2002 Page 5
inspection of the building was conducted, a list of deficiencies which constitute a nuisance
condition was developed, and photographs were taken. An order to abate a nuisance building
was issued on August 22, 2002, with a compliance date of September 23. As of this date, the
property remains in a condirion which comprises a nuisance as defined by the legislative code. A
citation was issued charging the owner with failure to pay the vacant building fee. Real estate
taYes aze unpaid of $3,106.01. TaYarion has placed an estimated mazket value of $7,400 on the
land; $23,700 on the building. As of today, no bond has not been posted, nor has a code
compliance inspection been done.
Mazcia Moermond asked for clarification on the vacant building fee because they have been paid,
yet a citation was issued. Mr. Magner responded they had to issue a citation to get compliance
for the ordinance. They were last paid July 2001, so they aze due again,
Kenneth Abosi, owner, 683 Hague Avenue #3, appeazed and stated he, his wife, and their two
childreri aze going to move into the properry. The previous tenant was not paying rent, and he
evicted her. Mr. Abosi lost his job. The contractor he paid took off with the money. Since then,
they aze tcying to raise money to fix up the property. He now has started an export business,
which ried up lus money. He brought back $10,000 to start on the house.
Ms. Moermond stated the real estate t�es aze unpaid. Mr. Abosi responded his records say he
owes $311 for 2001. Mr. Magner responded that the time for paying the 2002 taYes has expired.
Ms. Moermond asked did the owner understand that he cannot move into this building until the
building has come into compliance. Mr. Abosi responded in the a�rmative.
Ms. Moermond recommends granting the owner 180 days to complete the rehabilitation of the
property if the following is done by noon of November 20, 2002: 1) post the $2,000 bond, 2)
paid the $200 vacant building fee, 3) apply for a code oompliance inspection. Although it is
unfortunate what happened with the contractor, Ms. Moermond has to make her decision based
on whether the Code Enforcement officers acted reasonably and if the building circumstances
merited the acrions they recommend with the order to remove or repair. It appears they do.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 136 Witder Street
North. If the owner faits to comply with the resolution, NHPI is ordered to remove the
building.
(Steve Magner submitted photographs.)
Peter Kern, 709 Hague Avenue, appeazed and stated he is representing the owner Mr. Fitzpairick.
Steve Magner reported this is a rivo story wood frame structure. The building was condemned on
September 1 I, 2000, and has been vacant since August 30, 2000. Four sununary abatement
notices have been issued to secure the structure, eliminate the hazardous conditions of
unapproved electrical services, remove election signs, remove refuse, and cut grass. On August
13, 2002, an inspecrion of the building was conducted, a list of deficiencies which constitute a
LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINIJTES OF NOVEMBER 12, 2002
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Page 6
nuisance condition was developed, and photographs were taken. An order to abate a nuisance
condition was issued on August 20, 20Q2, with a compliance daxe of September 19. As of this
date, this property remains in a condition which comprises a nuisance as defined by the
legislative code. The vacant building fees aze paid. Real estate taxes aze unpaid of $1,453.00.
Taa�ation has placed an estimated mazket value of $15,900 for the land and $101,500 for the
house. NHPI estimates the cost to repair is $100,000; estimated cost to demolish, $5,000 to
$9,000. A code compliance inspection was done in May 2002.
Mr. Kem stated he is a friend of the family and Mr. Fitzpatrick asked him to purchase the
properry. Mr. Kern agreed to buy it, and he has a letter of intent. He also has a letter to the City
Council President and the attorney. Mr. Kern had a code compliance inspection performed in
May 2002. He would like an extension to bring the properry up to code. Ae does not want the
City to tear down the property. He owns three other rental properties, which he rehabilitated.
Mr. Fitzpatrick is getting older, has medical complications, cannot do the work, and is hoging the
City Council will allow Mr. Kern to purchase the property.
(Mr. Kern submitted the letters.)
Mazcia Moermond stated she will recommend granting the owner 180 days to rehabilitate the
property if the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of November 20, 2002.
Mr. Kern asked who posts the bond. Mr. Magner responded the owner of record needs to post
the bond. If the owner wants to have someone else post the bond, there is a form at LIEP that
Mr. Fitzpatrick has to sign. Also, the 180 days begins on the day the bond is posted. If the City
Council accepts the recommendation of 180 days and if 50% of the repairs are completed, Mr.
Kern can apply for another 180 days.
Ms. Moermond recommends granting the owner 180 days to rehabilitate the property if the
$2,000 bond is posted by noon of November 20, 2002.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:59 a.m.
�
THOMASF.EGGERT
Attorney & Counselor at Law
246 South Aamline Ave.
St Paul, Minnesota 55105-2403
(651)690-556t
November 11, 2002
Mr. James Fitzpatrick
2012 Selby Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104-5823
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S`3.
Re: Property Located at 136 Wilder Street North
St. Paul, MN 55104
Dear Mr. Fitzpatrick,
I have been retained by Kern Lawn Service Inc. to write this letter of understanding regarding the purchase of the
property located at li6 Wilder Sh�eet North.
The parties have agreed that Mr. Fitzpatrick will sell the above named property to Kern Lawn Service, and have
further agreed to a purchase price of $200,000.00 dollars. The parties still have some details to work out on the rest
of the purchase agreement, but will work together to accomplish this in the near future.
By signing below the parties have agreed in principal to work out the rest of the details regazding the purchase
agreement, and will execute a purchase agreement for the property located at 136 Wilder Street North in the neaz
future. The parties to this agreement understand that time is of the essence.
Dated: • '�Z
Dated: ��� ��.p2
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Peter Kern CFO Kern Lawn Service, Inc. r. 7ames Fitzpatric
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Sincerely: Thomas F. rt
TFE:
Copy: File
Kem Lawn Service, Inc.
November 12, 2002
Council President Dan Bostrom
320-B City Hall
25 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102
RE: 136 Wilder Street North
Dear Council President Bostrom:
�Z \U�
S3.
I am writing in response to the legislarive hearing regarding 136 Wilder Street North. The public
hearing norice indicates that this property has been cited for 25 building code violations, nine
electrical code violations, 33 plumbing code violations and 14 heating code violations.
I am plaxiuiug to acquire this properiy and correct the above referenced violarions. Attached is a
letter of intent between myself and the current properiy owner, Mr. James Fitzpatrick. This letter
states that we are both working toward this transaction as quickly as possible. I hope to close on
the property by January 15, 2003.
I am aware of the code violations and plan to bring the property into compliance with all
applicable codes. I haue a great deal of experience in successfully completing the renovation of
similar properties. I currernly own three reside�tial rental properties in Saint Paul: a duplex at
709-7ll Hague Avenue, a four-unit building at 437 Banfil, and a duplex at 286 North Prior
Avenue.
All three of these properties have required substanrial rehabilitation. In addition, I am nearly
finished with a complete renovarion of a single-family house at 837 Manomin, which will be my
personal residence. Since I bought my first properry in 1998, I have invested over $225,000
worth of hard construction costs in renovating nine units of housing.
I believe that I can correct all of the code deficiencies at 136 WIlder Street North within s'vc
months of taking possession. With that in mind, I ask that the Council grant an e�ctension to
complete all of the work by 7uly 15, 2003. This extension can be conditional to an executed
purchase agreement or real estate transaction between Mr. Fitzpatrick and myself.
This solution would help to improve the immediate neighborhood through private investment
and renovation of an azchitecturally significant duplex. It would allow the City to maintain the
portion of its taac base that this properiy currently contributes. Finally, it would allow me to
retum two units of much-needed rental housing to Saint PauPs tight housing market.
Thank you for your consideration of my request and for your service on behalf of the City of
Saint Paul.
Sincerely,
�
Peter E. Kem
709 Hague Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104
THOMAS F. EGGERT
Attorney & Counselor at Law
246 Soufh Haml"me Ava
SL Panl, Mmnesofa 551052403
(651) 690-5561
November 11, 2002
Peter Kem
709 Hagae Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
02-\ o�t
S3 .
Re: Property Located at 136 Wllder Street North
St. Paul, MN 55104
Dear Peter,
Tlus letter will confirm our conference on Nwember 8, 2002, and your request that I write a letter of
understanding regazding the purchase of the property located at 136 Wilder Street North from James Fitzpatrick.
It is my understanding that the parties have agreed tl�at Mr. Fitzpatrick will sell ffie above named properry to Kern
Lawn Setvice, and has further agreed to a purcl�ase price of $200,000.00 dollars. You still have some details to
work out regarding financing and risk of loss, but these issues should be worked out in the near future.
I will be available on Wednesday, November 13 in the evening to meet with you and Mr. Fitzpatrick to work out
the details, and to finalize a pwchase agreement. I would tLink that we wouid have a signed purctiase ageement
no later than the 19�` of November 2002.
I have attached a copy of the Letter of understanding to tlris doaiment. Please have Mr. Fitzpalrick sign as well. It
is my fiirther understanding that you have a hearing tomorrow that you nced to present fihe letYer of intent to
purchase the properry and a time table for completing the purchase agreement. We should have ail the financing
completed within 14 days after the purchase agreement is signed, and it would be my hope that we would be able to
close within 45 days of the purcl�ase agreement being signed. We siill have to have the tiUe work completed and
this could take some time. After the purchase agreement is signed we should pick up the abstract from Fvir.
Fitzpatrick and start the UUe examination as soon as poss�ble.
If the Public hearing officer has any quesrions that you cannot answer, please feel free to have them give me call. I
will be on the cell phone aY the time of the hearing. If you need any[hing fiuther, please let me know.
Sincerely: Thomas F. Eggert
T'FE:
Copy: File
Kern Lawn Seivice, Inc.