07-231AMENDED 3/07/07
RESOLUTION
Council File # Q — J
Green Sheef # 3036316
1 WHEREAS, Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement has requested the City
2 Council to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair
3 or wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood frame duplex located on property hereinafter
4 referred to as the "Subject Property" and commonly known as 1102 SYLVAN ST . This
5 property is legally described as follows, to wit:
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Legal Desc: POTTGIESERS SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 5 THRU 16 INCLUSNE ALL OF
WEIDE t1ND DAWSON'S GARDEN LOTS OF ST. PAUL LOT 17 BLK 3
WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and
information obtained by Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement on or before July 31,
2006, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property:
Justin A Hatcher
WHEREAS, Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement 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 November Zl, 2006; and
WAEREAS, this order informed 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 December 27, 20�6; 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 Neighborhood Housing
& Property Ixnprovement requested that the Clty 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
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul
City Council on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 to hear testimony and evidence, and after
receiving testimony and evidence, made the recommendation to approve the request to order the
interested or responsible parties to 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
rekal>i�i�at�xgtkisst�nett�re��eee �R,�wYaran�pplic�z�i�codesand-ordnrnia,-es�or-inthe
al�a�i�g by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes
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� CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
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and ordinances. The r�;�� demolition of the structure to be completed within £fteen
(15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday,
March 7, 2007 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative
Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony 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 1102 SYLVAN ST .
That the Sub}ect Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed
five thousand dollars ($5,000.00).
That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code
violations at the Subject Property.
4. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known
responsible parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the
building(s).
That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected.
6. That Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement has posted a placard on the
Subject Property which declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to
demolition.
That this building has been routinely monitored by Neighborhood Housing &
Property Improvement, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings.
8. That the laiown interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this
resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 haue been fulfilled.
• •7� •
The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order:
The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property
safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its
blighting influence on the community b}��
de�'�g�si�s�gr-ase����, -�:n�re#�e��c,�-F3fde��o-�e�Fxisaxee$��i�tkir�s}'rn
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ac-eordaxse��r��a�kshhl€-cc�les-a��-eu�i�a�s€s,� i�rh� a�r= demolishing
and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The
r��l�t��e�demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within
f-I€�eea-(�-5� days after the date of the Council Hearing.
five (5) --
If the above conective action is not completed witlun this period of Yime Neighborhood
Housing & Property Improvement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are
necessary to demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred
against the Subject Properiy pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code.
In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all
personal property or fixtures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal
shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this time
period. If all personal property 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.
It is further ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested
partaes in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code
4.
Requested by Depariment of:
Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement
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AdopUon Cerhfied by Council Secretary
By: �
Approved by,Ma te � ( �
By:
Fo Approved by C' Artt�rney
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Form Ap ed y M oz fo omis o' to C uncil
By:
Adopted by Council: Date ,��j��� ^f��h�f17
� Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet �
07
NH — NeighborhoodHousing/Propecty
19-3AN-07
Green Sheet NO: 3036316
Contact Person 8 Phone:
Bob Kessler
266-1927
�l
Doc. Type: PUBLIC HEARING (RESOLUI
E-Document Required: Y
Uocument Contact: Ma�ne Linston
Contact Phone: 266-1938
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Assign
Number
For
Routing
Order
Total # of Signature Pages _(Ciip All Locations for Signature)
0 e hborhood Housin ro erN
1 e' hborhood Housin o ertv De artment Directo �- �' 7•G
2 i Attoroev � D7
r
3 ayor•s O�ce MayorlASSistant
A ouucil
5 ' Clerk Ci Clerk
City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If the owner fails to
comply with the resolution, Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement is ordered to remove the building. The subject
property is located at 1102 Sylvan Street.
iaauons: npprove �n� or tt
Planning Commission
CIB Committee
Civil Service Commission
1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this department?
Yes No
2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee?
Yes No
3. Does this person/£rm 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}:
This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties Imown to [lie Enforcement Officer were given an order to
repair or remove the building at ll 02 Sylvan Street by December 27, 2006, and have failed to comply with those orders. ��
�
Advantages If Approved:
The City will eliminate a nuisance.
��� 3 �� 2007"
� R,a 1".:...
Disadvantages If Approved:
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s).
assessment against the properry taxes.
These costs will be assessed to the property, collected as a special
Disadvantages If Not Approvetl:
A nuisance condition will remain unabated in [he City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community.
Transaction: $��000 Cost/Revenueeudgeted: y °'�"""�`+
Funa�oy sour�e: Nuisance Housing Abatement Activity Number: �0251 , � �A� � 1 2001
Financial lnformation: , _ _ ��A►/0��� 0����
(Explain) �rtriT
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January 19, 2007 1026 AM Page 1
,
Council President and
Members of the City Council
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSI�i'G AND
PROPERTY LVPROVEVIENT
Dick Lippert Manager of Code Enforcement _
�� Nazuance Building Enforcernent
CITY OF SAI1�iT PAUL
ChrutapherB. Coleman, Mayor
1600 White Bear Ai�e N
Saint Paul, MN i 5106
January 19, 2007
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARiNGS
0 7
Tei: (6� IJ ?66-790Q
Fax: (651) ?6G-1926
Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement , Vacant/Nuisance Buildings
Enforcement Division has requested the City Council schedule public l�earings to consider
a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisauce building(s) located at:
ll02 SYLVAN ST
The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows:
Legislative Hearing — Tuesday, February 20, 2007
City Council Hearing — Wednesday, March 7, 2007
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
Justin A Hatcher
428 Eldridge Ave E
St Paul MN 55117-2012
Justin Hatcher
2230 W Country Road C
Roseville MN 55113
GreenPoint Mortgage Funding, Inc.
100 Wood Hollow Drive
Novato, CA 94945
MERS ���°a �"` ���, ��.
P.O. Box 2026
Flint, MI 48501-2026 ��� �+ � ���
Interest
Fee Ov✓ner
Fee Owner
Mortgage Holder
Mortgage Holder
AA-ADA-EEO Employer
O 7 /
The legal description of this property is:
Legal Desr. POTTGIESERS StiBDTVISION OF LOTS 5 THRU 16 IrCLtiSIVE
ALL OF WETDE AND DAWSOV'S GARDEN LOTS OF ST. PAtiL LOT 17 BLK
Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement has declared this building(s) to
constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Legislative Code, Chapter 45. Neighborhood
Housing & Property Improvement has issued an order to the then known responsible
parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by correcting the deficiencies or by razing and
removing this building(s).
Tnasmuch 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 Neighborhood Housing & Property
Tmprovement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to
either repair, ar demolish and remove this building in a timely manner, and failing that,
authorize the Neighborhood Housang & Property Improvement to proceed to demolition
and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment
to be collected in the same manner as taxes.
Sincerely,
�✓
, , � � ,
i
Steve Magner
Vacant Buildings Supervisor
Neighborhood Housing & Property Improvement
SM:
cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Design
Judy Hanson, City Attorneys Office
MaryErickson, Assistant Secretary to the Council
Laurie Kaplan, PBD-Housing Division
pubhmg60183
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SUMMARY FOR PUBLIC HEARING
1102 Sylvan Street
Legislative Hearing — Tuesday, February 20, 2007
City Council - Wednesday, March 7, 2007
The building is a two-story, wood frame, duplex on a lot of 5,227 square feet.
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According to our files, it has been a va building since M 18, 2006. `�
The current property owners is 7ustin Hatcher, per AMANDA and Ramsey county property and
t�ation records.
The city has had to boazd this building to secure it from trespass.
There have been four (4) SjJMMARY ABATEMENT NOTICES issued far:
� p� (,�7.0 Fb+'s��
- Removal of tall grass and weeds, �� � �
- Removal of improperly stored refus� �'� �� S '� �'�' °�
- Secure the building '� �dr�°`
On November 9, 2006 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 NUTSANCE BiTILDING was posted on November 21, 2006 with a compliance date
of December 22, 2006. As of this date this property remains in a condition which comprises a
nuisance as defined by the legislative code.
The Vacant Building registration fees are delinquent in the amount $250.00.
, �
TaYation has placed an estimated market value of $56,600 on the land and $132,500 on the
building.
As of Februazy 16, 2007, a Code Compliance inspection has not been completed.
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As of February 16, 2007, the $5,000.00 performance bond not been posted.
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Code Enforcement Officers estimate the cost to repair this structure is $60,000 to $70,000. The
estimated cost to Demolish is $7,000 to $8,000.
Real Estate taxes are current.
NHPI, Division of Code Enforcement Resolution submitted for consideration orders the property
owner to repair or remove this structure within fifteen (15) days, if not the resolution authorizes
the Division of Code Enfarcement to demolish and assess the costs to the property. `
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING AND D 7�3 �
PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT
Dick Lippert, Manager o Code Enforcement
S,11 4'P
PACi.
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CITY OF SAINT PAUL
Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor
November 21, 2006
Justin Hatcher
428 Eldridge Avenue E
St. Paul, MN 55117
7ustin Hatcher
2230 W. County Rd. C
Roseville, MN 55113
Nuisance Building Enforcement
1600 N'hite Bear Rve N
Saint Paul, MN S.i 706
Tel: (651) 266-1900
Fax: (65]) 266-1926
Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)
Dear : Justin Hatcher
The Vacant/Nuisance Suildings Unit, Department of Neighborhood Housing and
Property Improvement, hereby declares the premises located at:
1102 SYLVAN ST
and legally described as follows, to wit:
Legal Desc: POTTGIESERS SUBANISION OF LOTS 5 THRU lb INCLUSNE
ALL OF WEIDE AND DAWSON'S GARDEN LOTS OF ST. PAUL LOT 17
BLK 3
to comprise a nuisance condition in violation of the Saint Paul Legislative Code,
Chapter 45.02, and subject to demolition under authority of Chapter 45.11.
On November 09, 2006, a Building Deficiency Inspection Report was compiled and the
following conditions were observed.
This list of de�ciencies is not necessarily all the deficiencies present at this time. As
Crst remedial action, a Code Compliance Inspection must be obtained from the
Building Inspection and Design Section, 8 Fourth 5treet East, Suite 200, Commerce
Building (651)266-9090. That inspection will identify specific defects, necessary
repairs and legal requirements to correct this nuisanee condition. You may also be
required to post a�ve thousand dollar ($S,Q00.0�) performance bond with the
Building Inspection and Design Of�ce before any permits are issued, except for a
demolition permit.
This building(s) is subject to the restrictions of Saint Paul Ordinance Chapter 33.03 and
shall not again be used for occupancy until such tune as a Certificate of Compliance or a
Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.
AA-ADA-EEO Employez
November 21, 2006
1102 SYLVAN ST
page 2
This is a two-story, wood frame, duplex.
Interior
07 �3l
Due to the number of deficiencies, a Code Compliance Inspection will be required before
a Placard Lift will be issued.
2. The bathroom floor covering is deteriorated or inadequate. Provide floor covering which
is impervious to water and easily cleanable throughout the bathroom and seai around the
edges and fixtures.
3. Lack of Electricity. Immediately restore electrical service. Failure to provide proper
electrical service will result in these premises being declared Unfit for Husnan Habitation
and ordered vacated for lack of this basic facility. Use of candles, fuel operated lighting
or extension cord wiring is not pernutted while the power is off.
4. The foundation is deteriorated, defective or in a state of disrepair. Repair all foundation
defects in a professional manner to a weather-tight, water-right and rodent-proof
condition. Permit may be required.
5. FIJRNACE: Have a licensed heating contractor service and clean the fiunace or boiler and
make any necessary repairs. Perform a C/O test on the heating plant. Then, send the
attached form back to the Inspector. Repair of gas fired appliances requires a permit.
6. Lack of Natural Gas Service. Immediately restore natural gas service. Failure to provide
natural gas service will result in these premises being declared Unfit far Human
Habitation and ordered vacated for lack of this basic facility,
7: There are missing or defective guardrails. Provide all stairways, porches, decks or steps
which are more than 30" high with guardrails and intermediate rails with openings in the
guazdrail no more than four (4) inches apart and in accordance with the State Building
Code.
8. The interior ceilings are defecrive. Repair all ceiling defects and finish in a professional
manner.
9. The interior walls aze defective. Repair all wall defects and finish in a professional
manner.
10. There is evidence of a rodent infestation. Immediately extemunate and eliminate all
rodents from the entire building. Remove rodent harborages in the yard areas. Tuckpoint
the foundation if necessary to rodent-proof the building to prevent re-infestation.
Immediately remove any dead rodents from the premises.
November 21, 2006
1102 SYLVAN ST
page 3
07-�31
I 1. Smoke Detector: Lack of properly installed and operable smoke detector. Provide
functioning smoke detectors in accordance with the attached requirement, within 24
hours.
12. The structure is a registered vacant building and must have a Code Compliance
Certificate before the shucture may be occupied. Immediately vacate the structure
or obtain a Code Compliance CerEificate from L.I.E.P. You may contact Jim Seeger
at L.I.E.P. for code compliance inspecrion, permits, and issuance of Code Compliance
Certificate. Under Chapter 33.03 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, failure to obtain a
Code Compliance Certificate or to vacate the structure may result in issuance of
criminal summonses.
13. Lack of Water Service. Immediately restore water service. Failure to provide water
service will result in these premises being declared Unfit for Human Habitation and
ordered vacated for lack of this basic facility.
14. The windows and/or storm windows are in a state of disrepair. Replace all missing or
broken window glass. Make a11 necessary repairs to frames, sashes, hardware and
associated trim in a professional manner. Permit may be required.
Exterior
L The chimney is defective, deteriorated or in a state of disrepair. Replace all missing or
defective bricks, tuckpoint as needed to restore the chimney to a professional state of
maintenance and repair. Permit may be required.
2. Lacking deadbolt door locks. Provide one-inch throw deadbolt locks for all enhy
doors to dwelling unit(s).
3. Due to the number of deficiencies, a Code Compliance Inspection will be required
before a Placard Lift will be issued.
4. The eaves and soffits are in a state of disrepair or deterioration. Repair all defects,
holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards, to a professional state of maintenance. Permit
may be required.
5. The foundation is deteriorated, defective or in a state of disrepair. Repair all
foundation defects in a professional manner to a weather-tight, water-tight and
rodent-proof condition. Permit may be required.
6. There aze missing or defective guazdrails. Provide all stairways, parches, decks or
steps which are more than 30" high with guardrails and intermediate rails with
openings in the guardrail no more than four (4) inches apart and in accordance with
the State Building Code.
November 21, 2006
1102 SXI,VAN ST
page 4
� � ��`
The exterior wa11s of the house aze defective. Repair all holes, breaks, loose or rotting
siding,to a professional state ofmaintenance.
8. STORM DOOR(S): The storm door(s) aze in disrepair; repair or repiace the door(s).
9. The siructure is a registered vacant building and must have a Code Compliance
Certificate before the structure may be occupied. Immediately vacate the structure or
obtain a Code Compliance Certif"icate from L.I.E.P. You may contact Jun Seeger at
L.I.E.P. for code compliance inspection, permits, and issuance of Code Compliance
Certificate. Under Chapter 33.03 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, failure to obtain a
Code Compliance Certificate or to vacate the structure may result in issuance of criminal
summonses.
As owner, agent or responsible party, you are hereby notified that if these deficiencies and
tbe resulting nuisance condition is not corrected by December 22, 2006 Neighborhood
Housing and Property Tmprovement, Division of Code Enforcement, will begin a
substantial abatement process to demolish and remove the building(s). The costs of this
action, including administrative costs and demolirion costs will be assessed against the
properiy taxes as a special assessment in accordance with law.
As first remedial action, a Code Compliance Inspection Report must be obtained from the
Building Inspection and Design Section, 8 Fourth Street, Suite #200, Commerce
Building, (651)266-9090. This inspection will identify specific defects, necessary repairs
and legal requirements to correct this nuisance condition.
As an owner or responsible party, you are required by law to provide full and complete
disclosure of this "Order to Abate" to all interested parties, all present or subsequent
renters and any subsequent owners. If you sell, transfer, or convey in any manner, the
ownership or responsibility far this property, you must within seven (7) days, notify the
Enforcement Officer with the names and addresses of any new owners or responsible
parties.
The Enfarcement Officer is required by law to post a placard on this property which
declares it to be a"nuisance condition", subject to demolition and removal by the City.
This placard shall not be removed without the written authority of the Depariment of
Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement. The department is fiu•kher required to
file a copy of this "Order to Abate" with the City Clerk's Office.
If corrective action is not taken within the time specified in this order, the Enforcement
Officer will notify the City Council that abatement action is necessary. The City Clerk
will then schedule dates for Public Hearings before the City Council at which fime
testimony will be heard from interested parties. After this hearing the City Council will
adopt a resolution stating what action if any, it deems appropriate.
November 21, 2006
1102 SYLVAN ST
page 5
�7 ���
�f the resolution calls for abatement acrion the Council may either order the City to take
the abatement action or fix a time within which this nuisance must be abated in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 33 of the Saint Paul Leb slative Code and
provide that if corrective action is not taken witlun the specified time, the City shall abate
this nuisance. T'he costs of this action, including administrative costs will be assessed
against the properry as a special assessment in accordance with law.
If you have any questions or request additional information please contact Mike Kalis
between the hours of 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. at 651-266-1929, or you may leave a voice mail
message.
Sincerely,
Steve Magner
Vacant Buildings Supervisor
Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement
cc: Mary Erickson - Council Research
Laurie Kaplan - PED Housing
ota60135 3/06
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February 20, 2007 Legislative Hearing Minutes
Page 7
Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 1102 Svlvan Street within
fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (NHPI)
Dave Kleiber and Art Barrigan, appeared on behalf of EMC Mortgage Company, the owner of
the properiy. Mr. Kleiber stated that EMC Mortgage had contacted him and asked him to attend
the hearing to determine what the outcome for the properry was going to be. He noted that EMC
Mortgage was located in Irving, Texas. Ms. Moermond stated that she had GreenPoint Mortgage
listed as the mortgage company and owner of the properiy. She also listed the other parties of
interest to the properiy.
Mr. Magner stated the building was a one-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling on a lot of
3,485 square feet and had been vacant since July 23, 2004. The vacant building fees in the
amount of $625 had not been paid, a code compliance inspection had not been done and the
$5,000 performance bond had not been posted. On October 17, 2006, an inspection of the
building was done and a list of deficiencies which constitute a nuisance condition was
developed. An order to abate a nuisance building was posted on October 30, 2006 with a
compliance date of November 29, 2006. To date, the owner had done nothing to abate this
nuisance. Ramsey County Taxation has estimated the market value of the land to be
approximately $63,300 and the building to be $81,100. Real estate taxes were current. Code
Enforcement estimates the cost to repair the building to be approximately $60,000. The cost for
demolition was estimated to be approximately $6,000 to $7,000. There had also been two
summary abatements issued to this properry: to secure the building and the City had to board the
building from trespass. Code Enfarcement recommends the building be demolished within 15
days.
Ms. Moermond questioned whether any of the summary abatements had gone to work order.
Mr. Magner reviewed the file and stated it appeared all of the summary abatements went to work
order.
Ms. Moermond stated that the properry had now been vacant for nine months with the owner, the
mortgage company, abandoning the property. With the number of summary abatements, the City
has basically been maintaining the property for the mortgage company who never contacted the
City to indicate that they were now the owner of this property. It appeared the mortgage
company had no interest in rehabilitating the property since they had not obtained a code
compliance inspection which would indicate the extent of the deficiencies that would need to be
repaired to bring the bualding into code compliance. She also stated that since the building was
considered a dangerous structure, a$5,000 performance bond would also need to be obtained in
order to make any repairs to the building.
Mr. Kleiber questioned how it was determined that the cost of the repairs to the property
amounted to $60,000. Mr. Magner stated that without a code compliance inspection, the cost is
determined on what they see from the exterior of the property as well as any contact they may
have had with a previous resident of the property. He stated that he believed the previous owner
had the expectation that he could rehabilitate the building at minimal cost and realized that he
could not afford the cost of the repairs. He also noted that prior to the building being
condemned, there were severe behavioral issues with the tenants of the properiy.
February 2Q, 2007 Legislative Hearing Minutes Page 8
Mr. Kleiber stated that they needed as much information concerning the property that they could
pass on to the mortgage company. Mr. Magner recommended that Mr. Kleiber contact the
mortgage company to authorize that the code compliance inspection be obtained as soon as
possible and then he could develop a work plan outlining the cost of the repairs. Mr. Kleiber
could then take that information back to the mortgage company and they could decide whether
the building was worth saving or if it was best to have it demolished.
Ms. Moermond reviewed the Order to Abate a Nuisance Building letter from NIIPI outlining the
known deficiencies to the building. She provided a copy of the letter to Mr. Kleiber.
Kerry Antrim, District 6 Planning Council, appeared and presented a draft of the District Council
and SPARC's criteria for demolition of a building along with a map of the North End
neighborhood priority area for Invest St. Paul. Ms. Antrim also read into the record the letter
from District 6 Planning Council's outlining the neighborhoods desire to have this property,
along with 63 Jessamine Avenue West and 67 Jessamine Avenue West, demolished. She stated
that concerning 1102 Sylvan, she believed the District Councll will be extremely disappointed to
learn that the mortgage company, as the owner of the property, is in Irving, Texas and doesn't
care about a property they own in St. Paul. She believed that even if the property were
rehabilitated, she doubted the owner would care that the property was maintained as a safe and
viable rental properiy in the neighborhood. She added that along with the District Council's
assessment for demolition of this properiy, it also included the quality of life in the
neighbarhood, the deterioration and disinvestment of the neighborhood, the hazardous and
unsafe condition of vacant housing and the abandonment of the property by the owners. She also
stated that one of the neighbors had contacted her and expressed concem tl�at they witnessed a
dead dog being removed from this building. The District Council also believed that the cost to
rehabilitate this property to bring it into code compliance would exceed the value of the property
which would then make it into another rental properiy with an absentee landlord or it would
become another face-lifted, vacant building again. She referred to the map of the neighborhood
and stated that according to census statistics and trends in the North End District 6 neighborhood,
it was a poorer area compared to other areas of the city. There was also a higher number of
vacancies as well as a higher number of rental properties in this neighborhood. The statistics
show that the available housing stock in this neighborhood was built between 1850 to 1920
which made it difficult to rehab these properties in order to bring them into the condition of
today's standards. She believed that the lot was a 40-foot lot and if the building were
demolished, perhaps a single-family home could be built on the property which would be in
keeping with the District Council's Plan. Ms. Antrim stated that the surrounding neighbors
submitted letters attesting to the disintegration of their neighborhood and the rise of nuisance
behaviors because of these homes.
Mr. Magner stated for clarification, that the lot size for this property would not meet the
minimum 7,500 square foot lot size to build a duplex on this property.
Ms. Moennond summarized the letter, including a newspaper article concerning declining
neighborhoods, she received from the Tri Area Block Club regarding their concerns with this
property as well as 63 Jessamine and 67 Jessamine and the desire to have the buildings
demolished. Ms. Moermond also summarized letters that were received from 11 separate
February 20, 2007 Legislative Hearing Minutes
Page 9
neighbors, some of whom wished to remain anonymous, expressing their concem over the three
properties and the desire to have the buildings demolished. One letter from a neighbor indicated
that they had watched 1102 Sylvan deteriorate over several yeazs, it had burned at least three
times including one fatality, and when the bumt structure was renovated, the melted siding was
removed and the charred wood remained and was resided. Another writer indicated that the
Police records would indicate the number of problems associated at all thzee properties over the
past 15 years. Another writer indicated that all three properties have been eyesores, a person
cannot walk down the sidewalk because of all the broken glass; a person cannot open their
windows not only because of the loud music but because of people screaming and using
profanity at one another. Another writer indicated that the tenants who lived at these properties
would congregate on the corners and would harass people who would drive by; one time, an
ambulance could not get through the street. Another writer claimed that they were afraid to take
their grandchildren outside. Another writer stated that they were embarrassed to live in the
neighborhood because of the condition of these three properties. Another writer stated that the
children who lived at these properties were left unattended most of the time and were out of
control. Another writer believed that if these three properties were removed, they would be a
catalyst for something good in the neighborhood. Ms. Moermond presented Mr. Kleiber with
copies of the letter from the District 6 Planning Council as well as the letter from the Tri Area
Block Club.
Ms. Antrim stated that neighbors were afraid of retaliation as well as harassment and signed their
letters anonymously as a result of what had happened with a property that was demolished at 14
Jessamine Avenue East.
Ms. Moermond reviewed the photos of the property and stated it would be her recommendation
to xemove the building within 15 days with no option for repair. However, she stated she would
grant the owner one hundred eighty (180) days to complete the repairs to the building provided
the following conditions aze met by noon on Wednesday, March 7: 1) the code compliance
inspection report is completed; 2) the $5,000 performance bond is posted; 3) the vacant
registration form is filed and the fees are paid; 4) an approved work plan outlining the necessary
repairs to the building and a timeline for completing those repairs; and 5) provide an approved
financing plan outlining the financial wherewithal to complete the necessary repairs.