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04-239City of St. Paul RESOLUTION RATIFYING ASSSSSMENT COUNCIL FILE NO_ ��'l a3°� By Fi1e No. SEE BELOW Assessment No. SEE BELOW Voting Ward In the matter of the assessment of benefits, cost and expenses for ��' J0307A1 (9977) Summary abatement (property clean-up) during the month of August 2003 for property at 111 Lawson Ave. East. LAID OVER BY COUNCIL ON 01-28-04 to 02-25-04 A public hearing having been had upon the assessment for the above improvement, and said assessment having been further considered by the Council, and having been considered finally satisfactory, therefore, be it RBSOLVED, That the said assessment be and the same is hereby in all respects ratified. RPsSOLVED FURTHER, That the said assessment be and it is hereby determined to be payable in One equal installments. COUNCILPERSON Yeas Nays Benanav '✓MOntgomery Bostrom 1/`!'hune ✓Harris Lantry ✓Helgen �b�� ✓ ✓ �In Favor ✓ � Against Adopted by the Council: Date a� Certified Passes by Council Secretary �r D �} 23q� � Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green S eet Green Sheet Green Sheet �u�liC �(���i►� - 2 -25-D� '�"E — Tecfinology and Management Sm Contad Person & Phone: Bruce Engeibrekt �y 266-8854 �TJ'' Must Be on Councii Agen Date Initiated: i 09-FEB-04 I Green Sheet NO: 3011575 � Assign Number For Routing Order Total # of Signature Pages _(Clip All Lowtions for Signature) Action Requested: This item was laid over on Oi/28/04 to 02/25/04 public hearing, Summary abatement (property clean-up) during the month of August 2003 for property at 111 Lawson Ave. East. File J0307A1 Approve (A) or ln)� Planning Commission CIB Committee Ci"vil Service Commission Servlce Gontracts musc nnswe� 1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this department? Yes No 2. Has this person/£rm ever been a city empioyee? Yes No 3. Does this person/firm possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee? Yes No Explain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet Initiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Why): Property owners or renters create a health hazard at various fimes throughout the City of Saint Paul when theu property is not kept up. The City is required by Ciry code to clean up the property and chazge the property owner for the cost of the clean up. AdvanWqes If Approved: Cost recovery programs to recover expenses for sunuiiary abatemenu, grass cutting towing of abandoned vehicles, demolitions, garbage hauling and boardings-up. Disadvantages If Approved: None ���, Disadvantages If Not Approved: ; If Council does not approve these charges, general fund would be requued to pay the assessment. Total Amount of 475 Trensaction: Fundinq Source: U0D2P[IS19{li aenclorefson D Technoloev and Manaeement S'� Bruce Eneelbrekt I Countil hlarv Ericlson CosURevenue Budgeted: Activity Number: dp �i�nt..5^1'rv� ��s§£P t Financiai Information: 1 property owner will be norified of the public hearing and charges. ��� ��`��04 (Explain) � City of St. Paul Rea1 Estate Division Dept. of Technology & Management Serv. RSPORT OF OF ASSESSMENT COUNCIL FILE NO_ File No. SEE BELOW Assessment No. SEE BELOW 6a- ti-� Voting Ward In the matter of the assessment of benefits, cost and e�cpenses for J0307A1 (9977) Summary abatement (property clean-up) during the month of August 2003 for property at 111 Lawson Ave. East. LAID OVER BY COUNCIL ON 01-28-04 to 02-25-04 To the Council of the City of St. Pau1 The Valuation and Assessment Engineer hereby reports to the Council the following as a statement of the expenditures necessarily incurred for and in connection with the making of the above improvement, viz: Total costs Charge-Code Enforcement Abatement Service Charge TOTAL EXPENDITURES Charge To Net Assessment $405.00 $ 50.00 $ 20.00 $475.00 $475.00 Said Valuation and Assessment Engineer further reports that he has assessed and levied the total amount as above ascertained, to-wit: the sum of 5475.00 upon each and every lot, part or parcel of land deemed benefitted by the said improvement, and in the case of each lot, part or parcel of land in accordance with the benefits conferred thereon; that the said assessment has been completed, and that hereto attached, identified by the signature of the said Valuation and Assessment Engineer, and made a part hereof, is the said assessment as completed by him, and which is herewith submitted to the Council for such action thereon as may be considered proper. Dated Z � Va�luation� sment Engineer N w a a � a a W � � � � T x F � � � � 0 0 � 0 M M 0 ,� - �� A,o N 1 O 1 `�i 1 M I E i f+ � a � W�N � WiN � O � a�m a�N � � � � �o � � M � I U] � 000 11 O � F� o 0 o II o i � i . . . II . � i tn O O II �f1 � O� O N N il f� � � � C U? 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Update on property at 837 Fourth Street East Legislative Hearing Officer recommended laying over to the February 24, 2004 Legislative Hearing; however, the City Council decided at their Februaty 18, 2004 meeting to remove or repair the building. � 2. J0307A Property clean-up during August 2003 for 111 Lawson Avenue East (Laid over from City Council on 1-28-04) Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of the assessment. 3. Summary Abatements: J0308A Property cleanup during September and October 2003; J0306B Boarding-up of vacant buildings during August, September, October 2003. 1012 Third Street East (J0308A) Legislative Heazing Officer recommends laying over to the February 24, 20041egislative Hearing, and the February 25, 2004 City Council Meeting. 1181 Galtier Street (J0306B) Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of the assessment. 53 Dale Street North (J0308A) Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of the assessment. 57 Dale Street North (J0308A) Legislative Hearing OfFcer recommends approval of the assessment. 1015 Edeerton Street (J0308A) Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of the assessment. 422 Jessamine Avenue East (J0306B) Legislative Hearing Officer recommends laying this over to the February 24, 2004 Legisiative Hearing and the Febntary 25, 2004 City Council Meeting. �y ��� T�e� � o� MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING ORDERS TO REMOVE/REPAIR, CONDEMNATIONS, AND ABATEMENT ASSESSMENTS Tuesday, February 10, 2004 Room 330 City Hall, 15 West Kellogg Boulevazd Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: 7ohn Betz, Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement (NHP�; Steve Magner, NHPI; Jim Seeger, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP); Racquei Naylor, City Council Offices The hearing was called to order at 10:04 a.m. Update on property at 837 Fourth Street East. The following appeared: Dorothy Lyons, 10072 Tenth Street North, Lake Elmo; Bill Hammes, her brother, 10105 Tenth Street North, Lake Eimo. Mazcia Moermond stated the City Council scheduled this follow up because they aze concerned about the lack of progress in rehabilitating the properiy. It was in December that Councilmember Lantry asked for weekly updates. Last week, there was supposed to be a two month update at the City Council about progress. The six months on the building permits expired last week. If progress has been done, an extension can be given for another six months. Jim Seeger reported the structure is fairly straight. It is shucturally sound except there aze some header issues and some beams that are rotted. As far as progress, there is more work to do than there was six months ago. The walls aze gutted in the house, but he never called for that. Ms. Lyons stated all three contractors requested that they take the plaster and lather off. She questioned that because that was going backwards, but it will look nicer when it's done. Mr. Seeger stated the project has gone backwards than the original report. Although the structure seems repairable, there is a lot of work to do on it yet. The six months are up, the bond should be revoked because it is not 50% done. Ms. Lyons stated they took the plaster off: Mr. Seeger and Steve Magner both were there yesterday and saw that the new electrical wiring is in and the old has been removed. The next stage is to remove the old chimney, get rid of the old furnace, and put in a new one. It is open and it will be easier for them. When they put in new sheetrock, it will look nice instead of patching along the walls. Ms. Lyons was supposed to provide Mr. Magner with weekiy written updates, said Ms. Moermond. At this point, they do have a resolution compliance date and a bond expiration that they are facing. It is up to the Council to decide what route to take: look for a new bond, another 180 days to complete, or enforce the resolution. She asked is there some reason this is taking so long. She understands that Ms. Lyons has been leaving messages occasionally; however, Steve LEGISLATNE HEARING MINiJTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 ���-Z��i � -�e-� \�� Page 2 Ma�er is the one she should be talking to. Ms. Lyons responded her sister has faxed some ttungs. Steve Magner responded he only received one fax indicating that the wails aze being torn down to prepare for contractors to install electrical, wiring, plumbing, and heating. The kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and toilet have been removed. An electrical pemut was issued on December 31. Ms. Lyons stated the application went through yesterday for the heating. They aze purchasing a new fiunace. Then, she tatked to Mr. Seeger yesterday moming for the boiler. The pIumber is making his application today. Mr. Seeger responded the application came in yesterday. Ms. Moermond asked will the permits be issued based on the $2,000 performance bond. Mr. Seeger responded that if the bond is revoked, permits will not be issued without a new bond. Ms. Moermond asked has the property been put through probate. Ms. Lyons responded no. It has been 20 years and it should be through probate in the next month, said Ms. Moermond. She had talked to Ms. Lyons about this eight months ago, at which time she had contacted an attorney. That paperwork should be filed. Ms. Moermond will lay this over for two weeks. There should be weekly reports in writing and they should go to Mr. Magner. She asked can the bond be extended for 60 days. Mr. Seeger responded in the affirmative. Ms. Moermond stated she will consider this issue and have a decision in a month. She is dismayed that some of these things have not been taken caze of. The buiiding inspectors say it has been six months and she is further behind than the day she started. It does not get much worse than this. Ms. Lyons asked should she continue installing the furnace. Ms. Moermond responded that would be a sign of good faith. Ms. Moermond recommends laying this over to the February 24 Legislative Hearing and adding a sixty day extension on the bond. She will make a decision within 30 days as to whether to revoke the current bond. Also, she would like a written report every Monday morning sent to Mr. Magner. Aiso, Ms. Lyons should check to make sure it is enough work to show good progress. Note: the City Council voted to revoke the $2,000 performance bond and ordered the property be removed or repaired within 30 days. �� J0307A Property clean-up during August 2003 for 111 Lawson Avenue East (Laid over from City Councii on 1-28-04) Marcia Moermond sYated ttiis was a property clean-up. It is a vacant building undergoing rehab with tires and appliances in the backyazd. c� � z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 3 Kevin HIein, owner, 2488 Arlington Avenue East, Maplewood, appeazed and stated this property was purchased from his uncle. Mr. Klein pwchased it because he had a dilapidated house and it was close to being condemned. A lot of the stuff in the back was a carryover from him. They have moved. They got the notice of the cleanup in August. They cleaned up the whole backyard. At different times there were 15 cazs in the backyazd. The City did not do the work. (A videotape was shown.) Mr. Klein stated there were about four tires originaily. He is guessing he got dumped on. Was the refrigerator on the Summary Abatement Order, asked Ms. Moermond. Mr. Magner responded "appliances" is circled. Mr. Klein asked about the notice. Ms. Moermond responded the notice was mailed on July 24, it was rechecked on July 31, and the work crew did the work on August 4. The refrigerator was out there for two weeks with its door attached and not chained. It is a dangerous situation. NHPI would normally be Yhere in 24 hours to remove it. There is no fence azound the yard. Ms. Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. Aithough the owner may not have put the items there, they are responsible. Summary Abatements: J0308A Property cleanup during September and October 2003; J0306B Boarding-up of vacant buildings during August, September, OcYober 2003. 1012 Third Street East (The appellant appeared, but the file was not available for this property.) Ms. Moermond recommends laying over to the February 24 legislative Heazing. 1181 Galtier Street (J0306B) Marcia Moermond stated this is an emergency boazding and securing on a house damaged by fire. Thomas Robinson, owner, appeazed and stated the fire inspector suggested they send someone out to board it. He didn't know it would be that big of a fee for a piece of plywood. His biggest reason for coming in is that they say it is vacant properiy. Steve Magner responded the standard procedure is to open a f le at the time there is a fire to make sure the permits are pulled. Ms. Moermond asked was the unit condemned. Mr. Magner responded no. Mr. Robinson added that it was livable. a� Z�� LEGISLATIVE HEAI2ING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 4 Ms. Moeemond stated it was a matter of referrals and getting the right people activated. The City does not think there is a vacant building there. Mr. Magner stated the fire departrnent put out the fire and cailed the boazding contractor. Ms. Moermond recommended approval of the assessment. (Note: the correct amount of his assessment should be $399.50 and not the $424.50 as the owner's paperwork stipulates. Real Estate has corrected the amount.) 53 Dale Street North (J0308A) (No one ap�eazed.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 57 Date Street North (J0308A) (No one appeared.) Marcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 1015 Edgerton Street (J0308A) Marcia Moermond stated the comments from staff are that someone dropped the furniture, mattress and bed in his yard. Heu Lang, 8185 Afton Road, appeazed and stated when he received the notice, they picked up what was on the property. He wanted to see the videotape. (A videotape was shown twice.) Ms. Moermond stated they mailed a notice on October 13, 2003 about the problem. The cleanup was done on October 20. She asked did he get the notice. Mr. Lang responded that he was in Sacramento in October. When he came back, things were cleaned up. His wife cannot understand nor read English. (The videotape was shown once more at the request of Steve Magner.) Mr. Magner stated the grass had died underneath the mattress. It had to be there awhile for the grass to deteriorate completely. Mr. Lang stated that many people dump tires there. �� z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINiJTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 5 Ms. Moermond stated he should have had someone looking after the property while in Sacramento. If it was there before, it is defuutely his responsibility. She asked would he like to spread the assessment over five yeazs. Mr. Lang responded it is not a problem for him financially. Ms. Moermond asked does he have gazbage seroice. Mr. Lang responded yes. Ms. Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. He is responsible for his yard whether he put the items there or someone else did. There aze some basic things he can do: installing a fence or lighting an area will make it less likely to be dumped on. Once dumping has occurred, other people will do the same thing. They will see that as a location to dump on. It is important for him and his neighbor to take care of things right away. 422 Jessamine Avenue East (J0306B) The following appeazed: Anthony DeFlorin, owner, and Kathy Schmieg. Mr. DeFlorin stated it says that the house has been vacant for August, September, and October, but someone was there ali the time. Steve Magner reported these (files under J0306B) are boazding assessments for the Vacant Building Program during those months. The incident being discussed today occurred on October 16. The Saint Paul Police Department executed a search warraut at the property. A number of items were recovered. Afrer entry was made to the property, they requested the boazding contractor to secure the property. One boazd was installed around the dweliing. The dwelling was not condemned at that time. He is not sure why the window was broken. That would be detailed in the police report. Ms. Schmieg asked why the three other windows that were broken were not secured. She knows how the window was broken, but that is neither here nor there. She has had problems with the City since she was in the house. If they are going to secure the building, then they should secure all the windows. Bob is in jail, she is living there, and the house is fine. She would like the City to leave them alone. She takes good care of the house. She takes better care of her house than anyone in the neighborhood. Anthony DeFlorin's son is in prison and he keeps getting letters from the City. She does not feel they should chazge her for the boazd. The police even cailed Mr. DeFlorin to get her kicked out of the house. Mr. DeFlorin stated he had the house since 1960. Ms. Moermond stated it is likely she will recommend that the City Council go forward with the assessment. There is an additional charge per window, so the assessment is for one window to be boarded and not four. She asked aze there pictures of the property. Ms. Schmieg responded she has them at home. �� z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 6 Mr. DeFlorin responded he drives 50 miles to get down here. Ms. Moermond responded she can just write a letter regarding her decision. Mr. DeFlorin stated the police busted everything in the house. They came in with no caze for the people that live there. Stuff was damaged. He can understand them an-esting Bob, but there was no reason to terrorize the house. Ms. Moermond recommends laying this over to the February 24, 2004, I,egislative Hearing. 856 Pavne Avenue (J0308A) Mazcia Moermond explained that her paperwork says appliances and miscellaneous debris in the yard. Lambert Motz, owner, stated he only got a notice that the City took care of the problem. He got two notices. He did nof get it in the mail. That is his correct address. Mr. Magner responded that no mail was returned. (A videotape was shown.) Mr. Motz stated the dryer belonged to the neighbor across the alley who put it there because he thought Mr. Motz could use it. Mr. Motz told him he had no use for it. The neighbor picked up the washer but not the dryer. Mr. Magner asked was that R. Jo Adams. Mr. Motz responded yes. Ms. Moermond stated the owner has a lot of notices in the past and gotten them at his address, the mail was not returned to the City. The neighbor across the alley left it there, and Mr. Motz did not. The order was mailed on September 2 and the work was done on September 12. That is a long time for the dryer to be there. Mr. Motz stated he went by there a couple of times a week. If he had received notice that the City was going to get rid of it, he woutd have taken care of it. This assessment of $Z00 is high. Ms. Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 1254 Reanev Avenue (J0308A) (No one appeazed.) Marcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. c�� z��, LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINLJTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 7 674 Burr Street (J0308A) {No one appeazed.) Marcia Moerniond recommends approvai of the assessment. 944 Euclid Street (J0308A) Ms. Moermond stated this is a regulaz yazd cleanup with refuse and debris. It was a registered vacant buliding with a new owner. Kate McClure, 889 Mount Street #3, appeazed and stated she is the previous owner. The property was sold on November 21, 2003. They were rehabilitating the properiy, and some things were taken out of the house. She went to the properiy one day and the things were gone. Then, when the property assessment seazch was done for the sell, this came up. Prior to this, she had no knowledge. She never received a Summary Abatement Order. Teng Vang, one of the inspectors, sent it to the previous owner's address. Ms. Moermond asked how long she owned the property. Ms. McClure responded the end of March 2003. Ms. Moermond stated normally it takes three to four months for a name change on a property record. By the end of October, the name should be on the record. Mr. Magner stated the computer or the search did not recognize this was a vacant buiiding. It was refened to an inspector, and he issued the Summary Abatement Order to the owner of record. That is why Ms. McClure did not know. She did not receive notification. The City probably acted in error in doing the abatement even though they knew about it. Ms. Moermond recommends deleting the assessment because Ramsey County's tax records are not up-to-date. 34 Fillmore Avenue East (J0308A) (No one appeazed.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 50 Georee Street East (J0308A) (No one appeazed.) Marcia Moermond recommends approvat of the assessment. �Z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 8 737 Jefferson Avenue (J0308A) (No one appeared.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 716 Jessamine Avenue East (J0308A) (No one appeazed.) Steve Magner stated there was a gentleman here prior to the heazing who asked where he could pay this assessment, and Mr. Magner recommended he go to Room 140. Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 785 Jessamine Avenue East (J0308A) (No one appeared.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 846 Jessamine Avenue East (J0308A) (No one appeared.) Marcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 1131 Mazgazet Street (J0308A) Mazcia Moermond stated this is regazding garbage and vehicle parts on the property. Robert O'Connor, owner, appeared and stated he did not receive notice. This is rental properry, which was purchased in December 2002. He talked to Craig Mashuga (Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement). The record was changed in approximately October. At some point the documentation was sent to the rental property instead of the owners. He did clean it up. John Betz reported that orders were issued on September 17, 2003. The property tax printout had Robert and Lenora on it, 1131 Mazgaret Street. It was also issued to Occupant and those names at that address. Ms. Moermond asked was he living there. Mr. O'Connor responded he never lived there. They lived in Minneapolis when they purchased the property, and moved to Maplewood in May. The � z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 9 residents were living there were when he purchased it. They did not see and talk to Mr. Mashuga Mr. Betz stated he does not know when the change of address took place with Ramsey County. In September, Ramsey County shows the O'Connors at 1131 Mazgazet. There was another violation in November. For that violation, Ramsey County has the O'Connors at 400 Mary Lane South, Maplewood. It changed somewhere. (Ms. Moermond looked at paperwork from the owner.) Ms. Moermond stated it does show different addresses there. Mr. O' Connor added that Mr. Mashuga understood that. Mr. Betz stated the corresponding ownership printouts show the different addresses also. Ms. Moermond asked where his properry tax statements go. Mr. O'Connor responded he does not know. Ms. Moermond recommends deleting the assessment. It should get straightened out by the owner, and the owner should find out where his tax statement went. The City will do its best to maii to the address on the rental registration form. 347 Maryland Avenue East (J0308A) Michelle Burkhalter, owner, appeared and stated this is the only information she received. Her brother and girlfriend have been staying at the house while she was finishing school. John Betz staYed notifications have been going to Michelle Burkhalter at this address. Ms. Burkhalter responded it should go to a post office box. Ms. Moermond asked did she live there. Ms. Burkhalter responded yes. Her brother does not live there anymore. Mr. Betz reported there was a large accumulation of refuse and discazded household items in the yard and boulevard. Orders were issued on September 29, 2003, to comply by October 3. The boulevard was cleaned on October 3, and the backyard was cleaned on October 6. Ms. Moermond stated this situation is different than the previous ones because she has lived there in the past. She had put that address in with the County for taac purposes. If that had changed, she is responsible for letting the County know. Ms. Burkhalter responded that she has never received her t� statements at this proper[y. (A videotape was shown in two parts.) c� ��� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 10 Ms. Moermond recommends approval. It seems that the brother should have let her know the notice came and taken caze of the property. 742 Marvland Avenue East (J0308A) (No one appeared.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 1783 Marvland Avenue East (J0308A) 1_789 Marvland Avenue East (J0308A) (Note: 1783 and 1789 Maryland Avenue East were discussed in tandem.) Ron Flood, owner, appeazed and stated the City came out and did a cleanup. They were there for 45 minutes. He feels he is unfairly singled out. He has a videotape of other areas with overgrowth. The City was going through a drought and there may have been some string weeds a little high. The City did his boulevard and not the neighbors. Ms. Moermond asked was this a complaint or a sweep. Mr. Betz responded it is a boulevazd sweep that has been conducted for the last two years. It includes all of Maryland from I-35 to White Bear Avenue and White Beaz Avenue from Maryland to I-94. They issued about 75 Summary Abatement Orders along Maryland Avenue to White Beaz. Mr. Flood asked why there was such a variance where some properties had weeds that were high and he did not. Mr. Betz responded other people were also told to cut these �veeds and they did it before the Pazks Department got there. Mr. Flood stated he has videotape of the same day of the cieanup and the area was still a catastrophe. (Mr. Flood showed his videotape.) Mr. Fiood said there is no continuity. He asked why he is being singled out and charged $450 for 45 minutes. The City's lot gets bad across the street. This is not fair. Ms. Moermond stated it is compelling that there aze such overgrown areas in the vicinity. Mr. Betz stated the reason for the sweep is that the Mayor thought the same thing. He took a ride down Maryland and saw that. He called Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement and said he wants the weeds cut on the boulevards. There aze about 20 to 25 assessments where the property owners are not here to defend the action. Mr. Flood is not singled out. About 75 properties were notified to cut their boulevards, and the City ended up cutting about 30 of them. �� z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 11 Ms. Moermond asked how the City notifies themselves about their own properties. Mr. Betz responded it depends if the City really owns it. Mr. Magner responded that the community development organization purchased that lot with a number of other buildings on White Beaz Avenue for redevelopment. They have been issued numerous Summary Abatement Notices about cutting the grass. They were supposed to hire staff to take caze of that. Ms. Moermond recommends reducing the assessments as follows because the owner made a compeiling azgument that boulevards for other properties in the azea were not cut: 1783 Maryland Avenue East - deleting the assessment. 1789 Maryland Avenue East - reducing the assessment from $220 to $i plus the $70 administrative fees for a total assessment of $71. 1809 Mechanic Avenue (70308A) Marcia Moermond explained that there was discazded carpet and brush on the property. Shirley Wilebski, owner, appeazed and stated her daughter cleaned the garage and hired someone to help. There was a lot of stuff that the haulers were to dispose of. The back area is not used except for trash pickup because the property abuts a forest area. She believes the property belongs to the City or the railroad and it is a mess. There are apartments that have the S WAT team once a month and the police aze there on a daily basis. Until this weather, she finally put her car in the gazage. The wooded area should be cleaned up. Some of the bushes were cut, and she does not know why the City did that, if they did. Also, the alley is never cleaned. Ms. Moermond responded the City does not clean the alley. (A videotape was shown.) Mr. Betz stated the City did not cut anything. Ms. Moermond added that someone else may have cut it. Ms. Wilebski stated she was not aware that her haulers did not pick it up. She was gone for a month and recalls something &om the City, so she is not saying she was not notified. By the time she got to it, it was probabiy done. She probably would not have done anything with it anyway because she physically cannot do it. She has a feeling it was a complaint that caused this. Mr. Betz responded it appears to be part of a sweep. Ms. Moermond stated the stuff in the front yazds is seen by everyone. The cleaner and better maintained the alley, the safer it is. There are two options for payment: 1) divide over five yeazs, 2) for disability, there can be deferments. Ms. Wilebski responded she does not want an assessment on her proper[y. She is looking to get it reduced. She does not think what they did was worth $323. Ms. Moermond stated the City has to maintain a crew to do these cleanups. It is cheaper for the owners to do this. c�-�--z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 12 Ms. Wilebski spoke about prohlems in the azea. Mr. Magner responded the sweep of tius azea was done at the request of the neighborhood watch group. Ms. Moermond stated she did see several assessments to different raikoads, although she is not sure where ail the properties aze located. Ms. Moermond recommends reducing the assessment from $323 to $153 plus the $'70 administrative fess for a total assessment of $223. Ms. Wilebski responded she thinks that is fair. Mr. Betz added that they do a lot of the railroads, and they like the City to do it because they cannot send one of their crews out there to do it as cheap as the City. 684 Orange Avenue East (J0308A) (No one appeared.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 1152 Reanev Avenue (J0308A) Brenda Connors, owner, appeared and stated the previous owner must have received something, as Ms. Connors did not. She moved in after Labor Day. She had trash service. She had stuff out because she was moving. Orders were mailed on September 16, stated Ms. Moermond. Mr. Betz responded they were sent to Stacy Finland of 1152 Reaney, which is the information they received from Ramsey County. Ms. Moermond recommends the assessment be deleted because Ramsey County is behind in getting the proper names on titles. She reminded the property owner to maintain his property 1220 Ross Avenue (J0308A) Mike Schuler, owner, appeared and stated he just closed on the house on August 24. He had some debris. He never received notice of the assessment. Ms. Moermond asked where the notice was sent. Mr. Betz responded Shanteli Growe, 122a Ross. Mr. Schuler responded that is the previous owner. That is who had the ownership on September 17. There was a citation issued in conjunction with this work order, but it was dismissed. Ms. Moermond recommends deleting the assessment because Ramsey County is behind in processing records. She reminded the owner to maintain his property. co� Z.3� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINLTTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 13 1552 Seventh Street Fast (No one appeared.) Mazcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 749 Charles Avenue (J0308A) Ann Long, owner, appeazed and stated she was in the process of sorting out her attic. It has been 20 yeazs since this was done. She had an opportunity to have other people heip her out. She does not recall getting a letter on this. She had the Wilder Foundation pick up some things at the end of September. She had at least six different piles of things. She was hying to get rid of it. Mr. Betz stated he issued an order on October 8 to Ann Long to clean refuse by October 14. They reinspected. A work order was done. Ms. Long responded she did not get a letter in October, but she got one in September. (A videotape was shown.) Ms. Long asked how she could have avoided this and who she contacts when she is in the process of taking care of this. Steve Magner responded he cannot allow that type of storage. It does not meet Chapter 34, which dictates what aze storage items. Mr. Betz added that the letter indicates that if there are any questions, the owner should contact the inspector. Ms. Long stated she is in the process of moving from the property, which is why she was cleaning things. Dumpsters aze $384 a day; and she cannot afford that. Her yard is clean. Ms. Moermond stated Ms. Long got the letter from the City that says to call the inspector. Our records show it was in October. In these situations, the owner could call the inspector and ask for an extension. The inspectors have it in their discretion to grant additional time. Mr. Magner responded they can grant an extension of time if it is reasonable and there aze outstanding circumstances. Normally, they advise people to not dump stuff in their backyard unless it is for a day or two, and his o�ce will receive a phone call. They are required by their director and the Administration to enforce these ordinances. Their standard procedure is to issue an abatement giving seven days. If there is not a response ffom the owner, they would go right to work order. They expect these items to be routinely removed from the property and not left there for a long time. Ms. Moermond asked when was the cleanup conducted. Mr. Bez responded October 17. Ms. Moermond recommends dividing the payment of the assessment over a five-year period because of financial hazdship. (Mr. Betz showed the owner where on the form it is located to call the inspector.) c� z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 14 1364 Marion Street (J0308A) (Note: Robert Soutter calied last month to say that he could not attend today's hearing and would like this matter laid over.) Mr. Magner stated it appeazs there was a summary abatement done. The property owner was notified. When 1364 Marion Street is pulled up on the Amanda System, two PINs (Properry Identification Number) are brought up. The City notified Sandra Atchison, but Robert Soutter received the assessment. He should not have. Ms. Moermond asked did she receive notice. Mr. Magner responded the Summary Abatement Notice was sent, but she did not receive it. Mr. Soutter is under his own PIN, but they should not be adding him to this address. Ms. Moermond recommends deleting the assessment to Mr. Soutter and reissuing the assessment notice information to Sandra Atchison. Mr. Magner suggested Racquel Naylor send a letter to Mr. Soutter indicating that this has been investigated and it is not his problem. (Note: The recommendation is to delete the assessment.) 1063 Van Buren Avenue (J0308A) (No one appeazed.) Marcia Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 371 Wiider Street North (J0308A) (Note: Chauncey Peterson called last month to say that he would not be able to attend the heazing, but he would like a two year extension or a deferment.) Ms. Moermond recommends spreading the assessment over a five-yeaz period. 1304 Galtier Street (J0308A) (No one appeazed.) Racquel Naylor stated the owner inforxned her that she could not make it today and would like this matter laid over to February 24. Ms. Moermond recommends laying over to the Febivary 24, 2004, Legislative Heazing. �=z�� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 Page 15 l 89 Marvland Avenue West (J0308A) (A videotape was shown.) Ms. Moermond recommends approval of the assessment. 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