10-224Council File # 10-224
Greeu Sheet # 3099716
RESOLUTION
CITY O� SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
Presented by
�/
1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of 5aint Paul, based on a review of the legislative
2 hearing record and testimony heazd at public hearing on February 17, 2010 hereby memorializes its
3 decision to certify and approve the October 20, 2009 decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer for the
4 following address:
5
6 ADDRESS APELLANT
7
8 927 Universitv Avenue West Benjamin Roberts
9
10 Decision: Appeal denied and extension granted until June 30, 2010 to complete the repairs in the
11 deficiency list, with conditions as described in the Legislative Hearing minutes.
Carter
Bostrom
Helgen
Stark
Thune
Requested by Department of:
�
Form Approved by City Attomey
By:
Adopted by Council: Date
Adoption Certifi �� Counci ecretary
s � u �
Approved � Mayor � te D �J
By:
Form Approved by Mayor for Suhmission to Council
By:
1 24
� Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet
DepartmentlOfficelCOUncil: Date Initiated:
co -�°°°��� 23 FEB 2010 Green Sheet NO: 3099716
Contact Person & Phai¢: Deoartment Sent To Person InitiaUDate
Marcia Moertnond y o onncu �
6-8570 1 oaucil De arm�¢ntDirector
Assign Z ' Clerk Ci Clerk
Must Be on Council Agenda by (Date): Number 3 �
For 4 ��
Routing
Doc.Type:RESOLU710N Order 5 �
E-DOCUment Required: Y
Document Contact: Mai Vang
Contact Phone: 6-8563
ToW I# of Signature Pages _{Clip All Locations for Signature)
Action Requested:
Resolution memoria7izing City Council action taken February 17, 2010 denying the appeal and extension granted with conditions for
proper[y at 927 University Avenue West.
Recommendations: Approve (A) or Reject (R): personal Service Contracts Must Answer the Following Questions:
Planning Commission 1. Has this person/firm ever worked under a contract for this depaAment?
CIB Commiriee Yes No
Civil Service Commission 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee?
Yes No
3. Ooes this personlfirm pessess a skill not �ormally possessed 6y any
current city employee?
Yes No
Explain all yes answers on separete sheet and attach to green sheet.
Initiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (INho, What, When, Where, Why):
Advantages If Approved:
Disadvantages If Approved:
Disadvantages If Not Approved:
Toqf Amount of
Trensaction: CosNRevenue Budgeted:
Funding Source: Activily Number:
Financial Infortnation:
(F�cplain)
February 23, 2010 5:50 AM Page 1
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9
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October 8, 20Q9
Benjamin Roberts
1493 Grand Avenue
St. Paui, MN 55105
RE: 927 University Ave. W.
Dear Mr. Roberts:
CITY OF SAINT PAU'L
CITY CLERK'S OFP'ICE
Your application for an appeal has been received and processed.
10-224
Please attend the pubiic hearing before the Legislative Hearing Officer on Tuesday, October
2D, 20Q9 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 330 City Hal1 and Courthouse to consider your appea{
concerning the above referenced property. Atthattimethe Legisfative Hearing O�cerwill hear
alf parties relative to this action. � Failure to appear at the hearing may result in deniaf of your
appeal.
Sincerely,
�" ' � ;
ta.r' r � G�L�'�c
Shari Moore
City Clerk
cc:
Leanna Shaff, DSI (Fire)
Phil Owens, DSI (Fire)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer
Jerry Hendrickson, Deputy City Attomey
l5 4VEST KELLOGG BOULEVAP.D, SUITE 310 SALt\'T PAUL, MINNESOTA55102 Te1: 651-266-8688 Far,: 651-266-8574 www.stpauI�.gov
An Affirmahve AcGOn Eaual Oppomniry Employer
10-224
APPLICATION FOR �.PPEAL ��c�����
SaiutPaul City C�erk Q�T Q
15 W. KeIIogg BIvd., 310 City Hall
Saint Paul, Ivlinnesofa 55102 ��� �
Telephone: (65I) 266-8688
1. :4ddsess of Propercy being Appea�ed: 2. Number of pwelling Units: 3. Daze of Letier Appealed:
�'�7 U�' E�; �v�e . U� . 1 � '� 7 _ b �
�}. Name of Owner. ti�f � s R�'✓I � 1� (KI1
Address: � �' � � � !� Nc� �v.� CSty;
Phone Numbers: Business
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5, Appellanl( App�eaile (if t�ther than owner):
Phone Nwnbers: Bnsiness
City: State: Zip:
_ Resideuce CeIlular
5 St2Ye speci�cally �v�at is being a�peal�d' and wk�y (ITse an attachment if necessat3T):
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NOTE: A$25.OQ fiiing fee made payable to the City of Saint Paul must a c y tIus ap 'cation as a'�� „�
nec.ssary condition #or. filing. I'ou must atcach a copy of the otiginal ozders and any other cosespondence rela�ve �
to rhis appeat. Anpperson unsatisfred by the fia�al decision of the City Council may obtain judicial review bp (`
timeIy frling of an action as provided by Iaw in District Caurt. «�
ate Received:
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For
: Received: I Receipt Number. � Da#e
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DEPARTMENT OF SAFETX AND INSPECTIONS
Fire Inspection Davision 10-224
Robert Kessler, Director
CITY OF SAIN`T PAUL
Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor
375TacksanStreef, Suite ZZO Te7epleone' 65I-266-8989
SaintPaul,.YLV 55101-1806 Fax: 651-2668951
September 17, 2009
BEN ROBERTS
1493 GRAND AVE
ST. PAIJL MN 55105
RE: REFERRAI.
427 UAT:�'ER3ITY AVE'7J
Ref. # 17231
Dear Property Representative:
An inspection was made of your building on September 17, 2009 in response to a referral. Xou are hereby
notified that the following deficiency list must be corrected immediately. A re-inspection will be made on or
afterOctober 19; 2QQ9.
Failure to aompl� may �esuTt in a criminal-�rtataon� or ievocafion of the Fire Certificate of Occupancy. The Saint
Pau1 Legislative Code requires that no building shall be occupied without a Fire Certificate of Occupancy. The
code aiso provides for the assessment of additional re-inspection fees.
I7EFICIENCY LI5T
1. 927 IJNIT 1- SPLC 34.14 (2), 3434 (5) - Provide an approved electrical service adequate to meet the
buildings needs. This work map require a permit(s), call DSI at (651) 266-9090.-Restore electric andlor
gas service.
2. MASONARY W.h�.LS - SPLC 34.09 (1) b,c, 34.32 (ij b - Provide and r�aiatain all exte; ioY �aiis free
from holes and deteriora�ion. All wood exterior unprotected surfaces must be painted or protected from
the elements and maintained in a professional manner free from chipped or peeling paint.-Contact a
licensed contractor to repair masonry walls free from bulging and separation.
You have Uae right to appeal these orders to the Legislative Hearing O�cer. Applications for appeals may be
obtained at the Office of the City Clerk, 310 City Ha11, Ciry/Count7 Courthouse, 15 W Kellogg Blvd,
Saint Paul MN 55102. Phone: (651-266-8688) and must be filed within 10 days of the date of the original
_._ _. . _ .... _,. � _._.
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or ers..-:: -. -
Ifryou have any questions; please contactuie at 651-266-$949 between 7i30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m: " ' -
Please help to make Saint Paul a safer place in which to live and work.
Sincerely,
Kris Skow-Fiske
Fire Inspector
�mail: Kris.Skow-Fiske@ci.stpaul.mn.us
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND IN5PBCT1� 224
Fire Inspect�on D�vis�on
Robert Kessler, Darector
CI� ��' SAINT PA� 375 Jatkson S[reet, Suite 120 Telephone� 651-266-8989
ChristopherB. Co)eman, Mayor SaintPaul,MN55101-1806 P¢s. 65I-26G895]
December 18, 2009
BEN ROBERTS
1493 GRAND AVE
5T. PAUL MN 55105
RE: REFERRAL
927 LTNIVERSITY AVE W
Re£ # 17231
Dear Property Representative:
An inspection was made of your building on September 17, 2009 in response to a referral. You are hereby
notified that the following deficiency list must be corrected immediately. A re-inspection will be made on or
after December 30, 2009.
Failure to compiy may result in a criminal citation or revocation of the Fire Certificate of Occupancy. The Saint
Paul Legislative Code requires that no building shall be occupied without a Fire Certificate of Occupancy. The
code also provides for the assessment of additional re-inspection fees.
DEFICIENCY LIST
927 LTNIT 1- SPLC 34.14 (2), 3434 (S) - Provide an approved electrical service adequate to meet the
buildings needs. This work may require a permit(s), call DSI at (651) 266-9090.-Restore electrie andJor
gas service.
2. MASONARY WALLS - SPLC 34.09 (1) b,c, 34.32 (1) b,c - Provide and maintain all exterior walls free
from holes and deterioration. All wood exterior unprotected surfaces must be painted or protected from
the elements and maintained in a professional manner free from chipped or peeling paint.-Provide report
to appeals officer and this office. Contact a licensed contractor to repair masonry walls free from
bulging and separarion.
You have the right to appeal these orders to the Legislative Hearing Officer. Applications for appeals may be
obtained at Che Office of the City Clerk, 310 Ciry Hall, CirylCounty Courthouse, I S W Kellogg Blvd,
Saint Paul MN 55102. Phone: (651-266-8688) and must be filed within 10 days of the date of the original
orders.
If you have any questions, email me at: Kris.Skow-Fiske@ci.stpaul.mn.us or call me at 651-266-8949
betweeu 730 am. - 9:00 a.m. Please help to make Saint Paul a safer place in which to live and work.
Sineerely,
Kris Skow-Fiske
Fire Inspectar
10-224
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October 27, 2009 Property Code Minutes
10-224
Page 9
Appeal of Benjamin Roberts to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at
927 University Avenue West.
Appellant Benjamin Roberts (1493 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105} appeared.
Ms. Shaff gave a staff report. She said Inspector Skow-Fiske had conducted a refenal inspection on
September 17 and reported that the masonry walls were bulging and separating from the actual
sirucCure.
Ms. Moermond confirmed with Ms. Shaff that it was a masonry fa�ade and not a masonry wall.
Ms. Moermond and Mr. Roberts reviewed the inspector's photographs. Ms. Moermond asked
whether the stucco and brick were a faqade over a wood frame. Mr. Roberts stated that he thought
it was a brick building but wasn`t sure, and that it had been that way when he purchased it.
Ms. Moermond reviewed the orders and noted that one month had been allowed to complete the
repairs. Ms. Shaff stated that that was typical and that the inspector would expect that a contractor
be consulted and work plan be developed in that amount of time.
Ms. Moermond asked Mr. Roberts about the difficulty he had working out a plan with DSI staff.
Mr. Roberts stated that the refenal for the inspection had been due to a utility shut off, and the
inspector had been out sick for a few days after the inspection had been conducted. He said the wall
had been in the same condition for over 20 years and was not rapidly deteriorating as the inspector
had reported He stated that he contacted a bullding inspector as instructed but had not heard baok.
He reiterated that the wall had been in that condition for a long tnne and said that even if he wanted
to improve the wall, time and expense were issues.
Ms. Moermond compared the situation to a similar one at Rock of Ages Church at University and
Dale, and said there was the possibility that the wall might coilapse. Ms. Shaff said that chicken
wire and nails were typically used to suppoR that type of faqade and it could pull a�vay at any time.
She said she would accept assurance from a contractor that the wall was stable.
Ms. Moemlond asked whether the isslze had been cited at the property in the past. Ms, Shaff said
there was nothing in the history.
Ms. Moermond said she could not make a determination from the phofos and would like a report
from an engineer.Mr. Roberts said he would need to apply for a grant to have the work done; Ms.
Moermond suggested a few agencies and organizations that might be able to help.
Ms. Moermond asked Mr. Roberts to have a structural engineer look at the wall, and that he develop
a work plan. Matter laid over to December 1.
10-224
ricksen
oec� 8c �ssociates
Strutturzl Engmeers
?>SO Unlcerscy A�enve Wesc Ste 20l-S
SamtPaul..Viiwuo[a >ill�1904
Telephone 651-?il-�SiD
Facsw�le� 651-?>1-]3]8
PROJECT:
DATE OF TRIP:
DATE OF REPORT:
ER GOMMISSION NO:
WEATHER:
REASON FOR VISlT:
Existing Bui{ding Evaluation
929 University Ave. West
December 23, 2004 1:00 pm
December 23, 2009
20�9-257
28° F
Observation of existing brick fagade
REPRESENTATIVES CONTACTED:
Ben Roberts — Buildmg Owner
Building Information:
• Addxess: 927 and 429 University Ave. Wesk Saint Paul, MN 5> 104
• Building was oiigmaily built in 1912 (esttmated by owner).
• Owner has owned building since 1981.
• Building is 2 story, wood frame construction with brick fapade an Umversity Ave. side
10-224
429 University Ave. W,
Existing Building Evaluation
12f23f2009
Page 2
OBSERVATIONS:
• The brick below the 2 nd story west window ts bowed out approximately 2".
• There is slight bowing below the 2" story east wmdow, 6ut it is significantly less pronounced than
the west window. There is a crack visible along the east edge of the window (where the window
meets the brick). Brick appeazs to have pulled away from backup structure m this area.
10-224
929 University Ave. W.
Existing Building Evaluation
12/23/2009
Page 3
At the southeast corner of the building, the brick faqade appears to have pulled away from the backup
structure. There is a crack on the east side of thz building that extends the full height. This crack has
caulked in the past and appears to have opened again.
• The 6ricks aze generally in fair condirion. Severa] bricks are lighter in color and appear to have some
deteriorahon. The mortar joints are in good condifion. There are few cracks and the cracks that aze
present are only m limited ateas. The most sevexely bowed area (under ffie west window), did not
exhibit any crackmg.
Recommendations:
• The brick should be re-anchored to the 6ackup shucture to prevent future problems. Further
investigarion wili be required to determine the extent of brick that will need repazr and appLOpriate
method of repair. It is recommended that a contractor with experience in brick fapade repair be hired
to perform further evaluation and repairs. The following is contact information for a local contractor
that performs this work:
Restoxation Technoligies, Inc.
5301 East River Road. Suite 103
Fridley, MN 55421
?63-502-2321
w w w. restozal i eniech. com
10-224
929 University Ave. W.
Existing Building Evaluation
12l2312009
Fage 4
� Infozmation that should be determined ttuough further invesngat�on:
L Verify hackup structure is wood. Determine spacing and configucatioa of backup members
for entire 6rick fa�ade.
2. Evaluate structural integrity of backup members and detemune that they bave not been
compromised due to water damage.
3. Determine if any brick ties were used to attach the brick ta the backup structure. If ties were
❑sed, evaluate condirion of brick ties. Identify areas where brick ties are still in good
condition (if any) and number of squaze feet of brick requmng repair.
4. If there are no brick ries, the entire faqade will need to be re-anchored to the backup sYmcture.
Defermine number of square feet of brick that will need to be re-anchoied.
• All joints should be re-caulked and sealed afrei repaiis have been comgleted to prevent future water
mfilfration.
Submitted by,
ERLCKSEN ROED AND ASSOCIATES
Rebecca Gordon, P.E.
10-224
December 15, 2009 Property Code Minutes
Page 9
Appeal of Benjamin Roberts to a Certificate of Occupancy Deficiency List for property at
927 Universitv Avenue West. (Continued from October 27)
Appellant Benjamin Roberts appeared.
Upon question of Ms. Moermond, Mr. Roberts said he has spoken with a couple of structura]
engineers. He referred to two C of O reports he brought with him, one dated 1981 and the other
2009. Mr. Roberts stated while both reports make reference to the masonry wall, nothing states
urgency in repairing it, and he had made other improvements to the property including a new roof.
Ms. Moermond explained a lot can change to a property in the span of time between 1981 and 20Q9.
Mr. Roberts responded that he understands the wall expands and contracts confinually. He said his
initial attempt was to secure funding to repair the entire front of his property, and after speaking
with many companies, Ericksen, Roed and Associates has the most reasonable rates and willing to
work with him.
Upon question of Ms. Moermond, Mr. Roberts said Ericksen, Roed and Associates have not yet
been out to his property. Ms. Moermond noted that on October 27, 2009, Mr. Roberts stated he
would have an engineer out and would contact agencies who may be able to assist with the repairs.
She expressed the importance of having the wall looked at by an engineer to determine whether or
not it is stable. The inspector's repart states it is not stable and she is very interested in a second
opinion.
Mr. Roberts said fmances are an issue and while he gets some income from the property, after
paying ta�ces and insurance, there isn't much left and this is an area where he carmot get high rent.
Upon question of Ms. Moermond, Mr. Roberts said Ericksen, Roed and Associates will charge him
between $500 tQ $1,000 £or them to prepare an engineer report and if the report states it needs to be
repaired, he wi11 obtain financing.
Ms. Moermond stated right now she has the city inspector's report stating the wall is dangerous and
needs to be repaired, and what she needs from Mr. Roberts is a report that would indicate it is not a
problem. She expressed concern that it had been seven weeks since he said he would have this
done. Ms. Moermond requested Mr. Robert's obtain an engineer's report regarding the masonry
walls and submit it to her within two weeks so she could review the report with the city engineer
and obtain his opinion. With that information, she would then make a recommendarion concerning
the appeal.
On February 10, 2010, Ms. Moermond indicated that based on a private engineering report provided
by the appellant, and the report's subsequent review by qualified City staff, she recommended
denying the appeal and granting until June 30, 2Q 10 to come into compliance with the Code by re-
anchoring the brick farade to the backup structure. This work is to be completed by a corstractar
with experience in brick faqade repair.
The contractor shall: 1) verify that the backup structure is wood; 2) determine spacing and
configuration of backup members for entire brick fa�ade; 3) evaluate structural integrity of backup
members and determine that the have not been compromised due to water damage; and 4) determine
if any brick ties were used to attach the brick to the backup structure, and evaluate their condition.
10-224
December 15, 2009 Property Code Minutes
Page 10
Based on this assessment, a work plan shall be developed and submitted to the Department of
Safety and Inspections for review as part of the building permit application process. This work plan
shall outline the contractor s proposed approach to repairing and re-attaching the wall; and inclnde
re-caulking and sealing after repairs have been completed to prevent future water infiltration. If, in
the cowse of repairing and re-attaching the wall, unforeseen obstacles to timely completion of the
work arise, a written request outlining these problems and indicating the additional time needed
shall be submitted to the Legislative Hearing Officer. This request shall be reviewed in a
Legislative Hearing where staffreports and additional testimony from the huilding owner and
contractor will be heard. The Legislative Hearing Officer will then develop a recommendation for
consideration by the City Council.