99-125QRIGINAL
Green Sheet # 62269
Presented
Iteferred To
Council File # 9� •� .'1�
Committee Date
1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Ciry of Saint Paul hereby cert�es and approves the February 2,
2 1999, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the followang
3 address:
4
5
6
7
Pro e�rty Appealed
235 Belvidere Street East
Decision: Appeal denied.
Ap e1 P lanC
Eleanor L. Medina
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Yeas I3a s Absent
Blakey �
Coleman ✓
Huris r�
Benanav ✓
Reiter ✓
Bos4om �
Lantry f
�n �` t
Requested by Depazhnent of:
�
Porm Approved by City AtWrney
�
15
16
17
18
l9
�
Adopted by Council: Date �� ��q
Adopfion C 6ed by Council Secretary
By: ��� � ..—�� .�_
Approved by Mayo D ' 7Ya0 �7 �"
By: ��GCC(ir�(
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Councll
�
1
City Council Offices
Gerry Stratt�man, 266-8575
2-2-99
NUMBERf-0R
ROUTIXG
ORDER
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET
0@�nnl1@IT➢FECIdI
R9 -\ �5
No 62269
Nx�n.
rn,rcau�uL �
❑ QIYATTORIEY ❑ CRYUfRK
❑ wwltJ�LaFAVICFSOYt ❑ AL111C1fLaFA1n�CClC
❑Y11TOA(ORAiC6fNR) ❑
(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement
Appeals for property located at 235 Belvidere Street East.
PIANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
/_197rI� �e�
RSONAL SERVICE COMTRACTS MUST ANSWER TNE FOLLOWING QUESiIONS:
Has this persa✓frtn ever worketl under a conl2d for fhie tlepartmenC!
VES NO
Fies fiis PenoNfi�m e er 6cen a cd�' empbyee4 .
YES NO
ooes mis parsoNfiim poesesc a s�an not rw,manvaossessetl br anv a,rrent citr emobvee?
YES NO
I6 this peisoNfilm e tarpMed VendoR
YES NO
Et�vsa':��?9 `�.�''..^'�C..�^.�Y.YU�'$'4s'�:S�.te�
�t������
OF TRANSACTION
SOURCE
COST/REVDIUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ONk�
ACTNRY NU616ER
YE8 NO
(ocPwM
99-1a.5
NOTE5 OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
February 2, 1999
Room 330, City Hall
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Peter Kishel, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP)
Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m.
235 Belvidere Street East
Peter Kishel reported a number of orders was issued since last summer regarding 235 Belvidere
Street East. The inspection report indicated sewage from the septic system was backing up into
the house. Based on City Ordinance Chapter S0, a sewage back up is considered a threat to
public health. Orders were issued to repair the system or connect to the city sewer. The appeal
before us today is in error because condemnation orders have not been issued yet. The owner is
requesting a summary abatement; however, LIEP does not do them. A summary abatement
would be to alleviate the immediate problem such as having the tank pumped to eliminate the
hazard.
Gerry Strathman asked what kind of septic system this is and how old. Peter Kishel responded
there is a tank and a drain field according to LIEP's records; therefore, it is a standard septic
system. The system goes back to 1966.
Eleanor Medina, owner, appeared and stated she bought the house in October 1996. Clear
material was coming from the septic tank a month later. In the summer of 1997, she called the
city and told them the problem. When she purchased the house, the papers said the septic system
was hooked up to the city sewer, but it said in a different part of the paperwork that it was not
hooked up.
Gerry Strathman asked were their plans to hook up to the city sewer. Eleanor Medina responded
she was going to take action in the beginning of 1998 against the seller of the home. Ms. Medina
is a federal employee, and the wife of the seller is also a federal employee. Ms. Medina went to
her union, and was told it was in her best interest to take the loss. During the summer of 1998,
sewage from the septic tank seeped into the house. A contractor told Ms. Medina that the way to
hook up to the sewer correctly would be $25,000. Ms. Medina thought the best thing to do is
foreclose on the property, but she was afraid to do that because she could get fired being a federal
employee. Last November, the subject came up under a different union, and Ms. Medina was
told she could take action. Suing is the only thing she can do.
Gerry Strathman stated the $25,000 sounds like an enormous sum. Eleanor Medina responded
the cortect way would be to go through another person's yard to the street. Going the other way
would require a sump pump. That would be over $12,000, a city assessment for $2,000, and
another assessment for $3,000.
q�-�as
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 2-2-49 Page 2
Gerry Strathman asked for an expianation of the inspection report. It reads that the "soil .
treatment system is dzy, no surfacing evident," "solids accumulation in tank is not at a critical
level," "scum layer in tank is not at a critical ievei." Yet, on the other side of the report, it reads
that the system is not operating properly, sewage backup is evident in the building, and there is
other evidence of system failure. Peter Kishel responded the system has been abused over time.
The drain field will not accept any effluent from the tank. There is no surfacing evident because
it is not getting to the drain field. The solids and the scum layer would only shoot up in an active
system. It is the heavier and lighter materials that settles to the surface or to the bottom of the
tank over a two or three year period. Those build up and can block. What may have happened is
the system was not pumped frequently enough and the material got into the drain field. The drain
field is not warking and is backing up into the house.
Gerry Strathman asked why condemnation orders have not been issued if this is a health hazard.
Peter Kishel responded a number of orders have been issued to the owner to compiy. Brian
Krawiecki from L]EP was in contact with the owner. It was their belief she was going to vacate
the building, and try to work on getting thls issue resolved. Then LIEP got this appeal notice.
Gerry Strathman asked is the system backing up right now and is it raw sewage. Eleanor Medina
responded she does not know what the material is, but it is black.
Eleanor Medina stated she called the city, First Call for Help, and other places, but still has not
found any help. Peter Kishel stated he cannot recollect any organizations that can help, but will
make some calls.
Eleanor Medina stated she is afraid the house will be condemned if it is vacated. Gerry
Strathman asked what are the future plans for the property. Peter Kishel responded a
condemnation will be coming shortly. The owner was given in the last order until February 1,
1999, to comply. Mr. Strathman asked is the property occupied. Ms. Medina responded her
sister is living there now, but she is on her way out. Mr. Strathman stated assuming the property
is condemned and it is vacated, it would shortly be on the vacant building list, and the city would
begin monitoring the building. After it was on the vacant building list for a year, the city may
begin moving towards declazing it a pubiic nuisance.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. This is a public health issue. The orders from LIEP are
appropriate. lVow that the city is awaze that the septic system is not functioning properly, the city
cannot allow someone to live on this property. There is a concern about liability should there be
a health situation caused by this. Mr. Suathman has not heazd that this problem will be fixed in
the near future. The legal process could take years.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m.
rrn
QRIGINAL
Green Sheet # 62269
Presented
Iteferred To
Council File # 9� •� .'1�
Committee Date
1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Ciry of Saint Paul hereby cert�es and approves the February 2,
2 1999, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the followang
3 address:
4
5
6
7
Pro e�rty Appealed
235 Belvidere Street East
Decision: Appeal denied.
Ap e1 P lanC
Eleanor L. Medina
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Yeas I3a s Absent
Blakey �
Coleman ✓
Huris r�
Benanav ✓
Reiter ✓
Bos4om �
Lantry f
�n �` t
Requested by Depazhnent of:
�
Porm Approved by City AtWrney
�
15
16
17
18
l9
�
Adopted by Council: Date �� ��q
Adopfion C 6ed by Council Secretary
By: ��� � ..—�� .�_
Approved by Mayo D ' 7Ya0 �7 �"
By: ��GCC(ir�(
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Councll
�
1
City Council Offices
Gerry Stratt�man, 266-8575
2-2-99
NUMBERf-0R
ROUTIXG
ORDER
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET
0@�nnl1@IT➢FECIdI
R9 -\ �5
No 62269
Nx�n.
rn,rcau�uL �
❑ QIYATTORIEY ❑ CRYUfRK
❑ wwltJ�LaFAVICFSOYt ❑ AL111C1fLaFA1n�CClC
❑Y11TOA(ORAiC6fNR) ❑
(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement
Appeals for property located at 235 Belvidere Street East.
PIANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
/_197rI� �e�
RSONAL SERVICE COMTRACTS MUST ANSWER TNE FOLLOWING QUESiIONS:
Has this persa✓frtn ever worketl under a conl2d for fhie tlepartmenC!
VES NO
Fies fiis PenoNfi�m e er 6cen a cd�' empbyee4 .
YES NO
ooes mis parsoNfiim poesesc a s�an not rw,manvaossessetl br anv a,rrent citr emobvee?
YES NO
I6 this peisoNfilm e tarpMed VendoR
YES NO
Et�vsa':��?9 `�.�''..^'�C..�^.�Y.YU�'$'4s'�:S�.te�
�t������
OF TRANSACTION
SOURCE
COST/REVDIUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ONk�
ACTNRY NU616ER
YE8 NO
(ocPwM
99-1a.5
NOTE5 OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
February 2, 1999
Room 330, City Hall
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Peter Kishel, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP)
Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m.
235 Belvidere Street East
Peter Kishel reported a number of orders was issued since last summer regarding 235 Belvidere
Street East. The inspection report indicated sewage from the septic system was backing up into
the house. Based on City Ordinance Chapter S0, a sewage back up is considered a threat to
public health. Orders were issued to repair the system or connect to the city sewer. The appeal
before us today is in error because condemnation orders have not been issued yet. The owner is
requesting a summary abatement; however, LIEP does not do them. A summary abatement
would be to alleviate the immediate problem such as having the tank pumped to eliminate the
hazard.
Gerry Strathman asked what kind of septic system this is and how old. Peter Kishel responded
there is a tank and a drain field according to LIEP's records; therefore, it is a standard septic
system. The system goes back to 1966.
Eleanor Medina, owner, appeared and stated she bought the house in October 1996. Clear
material was coming from the septic tank a month later. In the summer of 1997, she called the
city and told them the problem. When she purchased the house, the papers said the septic system
was hooked up to the city sewer, but it said in a different part of the paperwork that it was not
hooked up.
Gerry Strathman asked were their plans to hook up to the city sewer. Eleanor Medina responded
she was going to take action in the beginning of 1998 against the seller of the home. Ms. Medina
is a federal employee, and the wife of the seller is also a federal employee. Ms. Medina went to
her union, and was told it was in her best interest to take the loss. During the summer of 1998,
sewage from the septic tank seeped into the house. A contractor told Ms. Medina that the way to
hook up to the sewer correctly would be $25,000. Ms. Medina thought the best thing to do is
foreclose on the property, but she was afraid to do that because she could get fired being a federal
employee. Last November, the subject came up under a different union, and Ms. Medina was
told she could take action. Suing is the only thing she can do.
Gerry Strathman stated the $25,000 sounds like an enormous sum. Eleanor Medina responded
the cortect way would be to go through another person's yard to the street. Going the other way
would require a sump pump. That would be over $12,000, a city assessment for $2,000, and
another assessment for $3,000.
q�-�as
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 2-2-49 Page 2
Gerry Strathman asked for an expianation of the inspection report. It reads that the "soil .
treatment system is dzy, no surfacing evident," "solids accumulation in tank is not at a critical
level," "scum layer in tank is not at a critical ievei." Yet, on the other side of the report, it reads
that the system is not operating properly, sewage backup is evident in the building, and there is
other evidence of system failure. Peter Kishel responded the system has been abused over time.
The drain field will not accept any effluent from the tank. There is no surfacing evident because
it is not getting to the drain field. The solids and the scum layer would only shoot up in an active
system. It is the heavier and lighter materials that settles to the surface or to the bottom of the
tank over a two or three year period. Those build up and can block. What may have happened is
the system was not pumped frequently enough and the material got into the drain field. The drain
field is not warking and is backing up into the house.
Gerry Strathman asked why condemnation orders have not been issued if this is a health hazard.
Peter Kishel responded a number of orders have been issued to the owner to compiy. Brian
Krawiecki from L]EP was in contact with the owner. It was their belief she was going to vacate
the building, and try to work on getting thls issue resolved. Then LIEP got this appeal notice.
Gerry Strathman asked is the system backing up right now and is it raw sewage. Eleanor Medina
responded she does not know what the material is, but it is black.
Eleanor Medina stated she called the city, First Call for Help, and other places, but still has not
found any help. Peter Kishel stated he cannot recollect any organizations that can help, but will
make some calls.
Eleanor Medina stated she is afraid the house will be condemned if it is vacated. Gerry
Strathman asked what are the future plans for the property. Peter Kishel responded a
condemnation will be coming shortly. The owner was given in the last order until February 1,
1999, to comply. Mr. Strathman asked is the property occupied. Ms. Medina responded her
sister is living there now, but she is on her way out. Mr. Strathman stated assuming the property
is condemned and it is vacated, it would shortly be on the vacant building list, and the city would
begin monitoring the building. After it was on the vacant building list for a year, the city may
begin moving towards declazing it a pubiic nuisance.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. This is a public health issue. The orders from LIEP are
appropriate. lVow that the city is awaze that the septic system is not functioning properly, the city
cannot allow someone to live on this property. There is a concern about liability should there be
a health situation caused by this. Mr. Suathman has not heazd that this problem will be fixed in
the near future. The legal process could take years.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m.
rrn
QRIGINAL
Green Sheet # 62269
Presented
Iteferred To
Council File # 9� •� .'1�
Committee Date
1 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Ciry of Saint Paul hereby cert�es and approves the February 2,
2 1999, decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement Appeals for the followang
3 address:
4
5
6
7
Pro e�rty Appealed
235 Belvidere Street East
Decision: Appeal denied.
Ap e1 P lanC
Eleanor L. Medina
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Yeas I3a s Absent
Blakey �
Coleman ✓
Huris r�
Benanav ✓
Reiter ✓
Bos4om �
Lantry f
�n �` t
Requested by Depazhnent of:
�
Porm Approved by City AtWrney
�
15
16
17
18
l9
�
Adopted by Council: Date �� ��q
Adopfion C 6ed by Council Secretary
By: ��� � ..—�� .�_
Approved by Mayo D ' 7Ya0 �7 �"
By: ��GCC(ir�(
Approved by Mayor for Submission to Councll
�
1
City Council Offices
Gerry Stratt�man, 266-8575
2-2-99
NUMBERf-0R
ROUTIXG
ORDER
TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES
GREEN SHEET
0@�nnl1@IT➢FECIdI
R9 -\ �5
No 62269
Nx�n.
rn,rcau�uL �
❑ QIYATTORIEY ❑ CRYUfRK
❑ wwltJ�LaFAVICFSOYt ❑ AL111C1fLaFA1n�CClC
❑Y11TOA(ORAiC6fNR) ❑
(CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code Enforcement
Appeals for property located at 235 Belvidere Street East.
PIANNING CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
/_197rI� �e�
RSONAL SERVICE COMTRACTS MUST ANSWER TNE FOLLOWING QUESiIONS:
Has this persa✓frtn ever worketl under a conl2d for fhie tlepartmenC!
VES NO
Fies fiis PenoNfi�m e er 6cen a cd�' empbyee4 .
YES NO
ooes mis parsoNfiim poesesc a s�an not rw,manvaossessetl br anv a,rrent citr emobvee?
YES NO
I6 this peisoNfilm e tarpMed VendoR
YES NO
Et�vsa':��?9 `�.�''..^'�C..�^.�Y.YU�'$'4s'�:S�.te�
�t������
OF TRANSACTION
SOURCE
COST/REVDIUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ONk�
ACTNRY NU616ER
YE8 NO
(ocPwM
99-1a.5
NOTE5 OF THE PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT MEETING
February 2, 1999
Room 330, City Hall
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer
STAFF PRESENT: Peter Kishel, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP)
Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m.
235 Belvidere Street East
Peter Kishel reported a number of orders was issued since last summer regarding 235 Belvidere
Street East. The inspection report indicated sewage from the septic system was backing up into
the house. Based on City Ordinance Chapter S0, a sewage back up is considered a threat to
public health. Orders were issued to repair the system or connect to the city sewer. The appeal
before us today is in error because condemnation orders have not been issued yet. The owner is
requesting a summary abatement; however, LIEP does not do them. A summary abatement
would be to alleviate the immediate problem such as having the tank pumped to eliminate the
hazard.
Gerry Strathman asked what kind of septic system this is and how old. Peter Kishel responded
there is a tank and a drain field according to LIEP's records; therefore, it is a standard septic
system. The system goes back to 1966.
Eleanor Medina, owner, appeared and stated she bought the house in October 1996. Clear
material was coming from the septic tank a month later. In the summer of 1997, she called the
city and told them the problem. When she purchased the house, the papers said the septic system
was hooked up to the city sewer, but it said in a different part of the paperwork that it was not
hooked up.
Gerry Strathman asked were their plans to hook up to the city sewer. Eleanor Medina responded
she was going to take action in the beginning of 1998 against the seller of the home. Ms. Medina
is a federal employee, and the wife of the seller is also a federal employee. Ms. Medina went to
her union, and was told it was in her best interest to take the loss. During the summer of 1998,
sewage from the septic tank seeped into the house. A contractor told Ms. Medina that the way to
hook up to the sewer correctly would be $25,000. Ms. Medina thought the best thing to do is
foreclose on the property, but she was afraid to do that because she could get fired being a federal
employee. Last November, the subject came up under a different union, and Ms. Medina was
told she could take action. Suing is the only thing she can do.
Gerry Strathman stated the $25,000 sounds like an enormous sum. Eleanor Medina responded
the cortect way would be to go through another person's yard to the street. Going the other way
would require a sump pump. That would be over $12,000, a city assessment for $2,000, and
another assessment for $3,000.
q�-�as
PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTES OF 2-2-49 Page 2
Gerry Strathman asked for an expianation of the inspection report. It reads that the "soil .
treatment system is dzy, no surfacing evident," "solids accumulation in tank is not at a critical
level," "scum layer in tank is not at a critical ievei." Yet, on the other side of the report, it reads
that the system is not operating properly, sewage backup is evident in the building, and there is
other evidence of system failure. Peter Kishel responded the system has been abused over time.
The drain field will not accept any effluent from the tank. There is no surfacing evident because
it is not getting to the drain field. The solids and the scum layer would only shoot up in an active
system. It is the heavier and lighter materials that settles to the surface or to the bottom of the
tank over a two or three year period. Those build up and can block. What may have happened is
the system was not pumped frequently enough and the material got into the drain field. The drain
field is not warking and is backing up into the house.
Gerry Strathman asked why condemnation orders have not been issued if this is a health hazard.
Peter Kishel responded a number of orders have been issued to the owner to compiy. Brian
Krawiecki from L]EP was in contact with the owner. It was their belief she was going to vacate
the building, and try to work on getting thls issue resolved. Then LIEP got this appeal notice.
Gerry Strathman asked is the system backing up right now and is it raw sewage. Eleanor Medina
responded she does not know what the material is, but it is black.
Eleanor Medina stated she called the city, First Call for Help, and other places, but still has not
found any help. Peter Kishel stated he cannot recollect any organizations that can help, but will
make some calls.
Eleanor Medina stated she is afraid the house will be condemned if it is vacated. Gerry
Strathman asked what are the future plans for the property. Peter Kishel responded a
condemnation will be coming shortly. The owner was given in the last order until February 1,
1999, to comply. Mr. Strathman asked is the property occupied. Ms. Medina responded her
sister is living there now, but she is on her way out. Mr. Strathman stated assuming the property
is condemned and it is vacated, it would shortly be on the vacant building list, and the city would
begin monitoring the building. After it was on the vacant building list for a year, the city may
begin moving towards declazing it a pubiic nuisance.
Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. This is a public health issue. The orders from LIEP are
appropriate. lVow that the city is awaze that the septic system is not functioning properly, the city
cannot allow someone to live on this property. There is a concern about liability should there be
a health situation caused by this. Mr. Suathman has not heazd that this problem will be fixed in
the near future. The legal process could take years.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m.
rrn