98-112oRi�iNA�
Presented By
Referred To
Reso�urioN
CITY OF SAIN�j �AUL, I�
co�oi� Fil2 # 98^/l2
Green Sheet # ���� �
'A '�
Committee: Date
WHEREAS, Public Health has requested the City Council to hold public hearings to consider
the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood
frame structure located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properry" and commonly
l�own as 758 L.afond Avenue. This property is legally described as follows, to wit:
Lflt 5, Chute Brothers Division No. 12, Addition to the City of St. Paul, Minnesota
WHEREAS, hased upon the records in tke Ramsey County Recorder's Office and
information obtained by Public Health on or before October 7, 1997, the following are the now
known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Carol Erickson, 781 Front Avenue,
2nd Floor, St. Paul, MN 55103; Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 25 West Fourth Street,
Ste. 1200, St. Paul, MN 55102, Attn: Mary Hanson; B& F Distributing, DBA Tracy-Tripp Fuel,
11650 Courthouse Blvd. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, Re: Lien vs. Gordon Burchard
WHEREAS, Public Health has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the
Saint Paul I.egislative Code an order identified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated
October 27, 1997; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested ar 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 Properry by November 26, 1997; 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
R'FiEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Public Health requested that
the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Ciry 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 L.egislative Code, of the time, date, place and
purpose of the public hearings; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the L,egisiative Aearing Officer of the Saint Paul Ciry
Council on Tuesday, February 3, 1998 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 Properry safe and not detrnnental to the public peace, health,
safery and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by
demolishing and removing the sm�cture in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
The rehabilitation or demolition of the structure to be completed within fifteen (15) days after the
date of the Council Hearing; and
4P �� z
ORlGINAL
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on VJednesday, February
11, 1998 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the L,egislative Hearing
O�cer 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 Ciry Council hereby adopts the following Findings and
Order concerning the Subject Property at 758 L.afond Avenue:
1. That the Subject Froperty comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
2. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estnnated to exceed
three thousand dollars ($3,000.00).
3. 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 lrnown responsible
parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s).
5. That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been conected.
6. That Public Health has posted a placard on the Subject Property which declares it to
be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
7. That this building has been routinely monitored by the VacanUNuisance Buildings
Code Enforcement Program.
8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this
resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled.
ORDER
The Saint Paul Ciry CouncIl hereby makes the following order:
1. The above referenced interested or responsible parCies shall make the Subject Properry safe
and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safery and welfare and remove its biighting
influence on the community by rehabilitating ttus structure and conecting all deficiencies as
prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with
all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilita6on or
demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the
date of the Council Hearing.
9P-1�2
' �`` `
V�`ri�,;
2. If the above conective action is not completed within this period of time the Public Health,
Code Enforcement Program is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to
demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the
Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all
personal properiy or fixtures of any ldnd which interfere with the demolition and removal
shall be removed from the properry by the responsible parties by the end of this time period.
If all personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City
of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such properiy as provided by law.
4. It is fiurther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested
parties in accardance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
By:
Appx
By:
Fir • Code Enforcement Division
By: ��� ��
Form Approved by City Attorney
B �c�e.Q.-e� ���� l'2D�9�
Approved by Mayor for submission to
Council
�.. ��� —�
Adopted by Council: Date �..� �\ �`���
,
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
9�-1�z
Code Enforcement
01/09/98
GREEN SHEET
No
61555
�. Vote�292-7718 �f
JNCIL AGENDA BY (DATE�
11, 1998 A° '�`"
M,w��
RW{iIN6
ORDEft
TOTAL � OF S1C,NATURE PAGES
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0 2 �,,,.� �H� `'a �«�
���� ❑..�u.,�.�,,.«Ta
� WroR1�.�fMGltlf� �
(CL1P ALL IOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
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, Public Health is ordered to remove the
building. The subject property is located at 758 Lafond Avenue.
PLANNfNG CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CML SERVICE CAMMISSION
t50NAL SERVICE CONiRACTS MUST ANSWER TXE FOLLAWING Q
Has Nis persoMrtm e�+er worked under a cont2c[ for this departmenll
`!ES NO
Has tnia Pa�soNfirm e� been a Wy empbyee?
YES NO
Does this percoNfirtn powess a s1611 nat nomwllypoGSSesseU by any cUrtent city empbyee?
VES NO
IS t�is pe�soNGmi a farpe[ed vendor?
YES NO
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 known
to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 758 Lafond Avenue by
I3ovember 26, 1997, and have failed to comply with those orders.
-, el.Liw�..
���� ',�� ��� �����
2 ���9$ 3..'0.� R, 4� �., `
The City will eliminate a nuisance. 9 � 0 � ° � ��•'� ��� �� �998
)ISADVANTAGES IF APPROVED ' � s . a . _ _ � ..
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the
pronertv. collected as a sroecial assessment a�ainst the uronertv taxes.
A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s} will continue to blight the
community.
fOTAL AMOUN7 OF TRANSAC710N Y ' � COST/REVENUE BUDfiEfED (CIRCLE ONh7 YES " NO
Nuisance Housing Abatement 61
NNOIN6 SOURCE ACTNITY NWABER
(��M
\
DEPAR"Ib1ENT OF ARE AVD SAFETY SERVICES 98-t/2
Timo[hy K. Fuller, Fire ChieJ
DNISION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEN"I'
Charles Yotel, Program Diredar
CTTY OF SA]IV'I' PAUL Nuisance Building Code Enforcement
Norn+ Colemax, Afayor 555 Cedar Street Tel: 612-248-1153
SaintPm+l,iLLY5�101-1360 Fax:612-222-2770
7anuary 9, 1998
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President and
Members of the Ciry Council
Saint Paul Public Health, VacantlNuisance Buildings Enforcement Unit has requested the
City Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal
of the nuisance building(s) located at:
758 Lafond Avenue
The City Counci] has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, February 3, 1998
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, February 11, 199$
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
Carol Erickson
781 Front Avenue, 2nd Floor
St. Paul, MN 55103
Interest
Daughter of Deceased Fee Owner
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
25 West Fourth Street, Ste. 1200
St. Paul, MN 55102
Attn: Mary Hanson
B & F Distribut9ng
DBA Tracy-Tripp Fuel
11650 Courthouse Blvd. E.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Re: Lien vs. Gordon Burchard
The legal description of this property is:
Mortgagee
Lien Holder
Lot 5, Chute Brothers Division No. 12, Addition to the Ciry of St. Paul,
Minnesota
98-��2
758 Lafond Avenue
7anuary 9, 1998
Page 2
Saint Paul Public Health has declared this buiiding(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by
Lzaislative Code, Chapter 45. Public Health 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).
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the biighting influence of this property. It is the
recommendation of Pubiic Health that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the
responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this buildin� in a timely manner,
and failin� that, authorize Public Health to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess
the costs incuned against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same
manner as taxes.
' cerely,
��
R ta Weiss
Program Supervisor
VacandNuisance Building Unit
Saint Paul Public Health
RW:mi
cc: Jan Gasterland, Building Inspection and Design
Stephen Christie, City Attorneys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council
Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall
Dan Pahl, PED-Housing Division
01-93
9�-i�2
MINLITES OF LEGISLATIVE HEARING
February 3, 1998
Room 33Q City Hail
Gerry Strathman, L,egislative Hearing Officer
3TAFF PRESENT: Chuck Votel and Guy Willits, Public Health
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer, called the meering to order at 10:02 a.m.
1173 Bradlev Street
Arthur Morrison, owner, stated he plans to file taxes today and should have money in a month.
He will use it to take caze of the problems. All the businesses he has contacted are busy now.
Gerry Strathman asked Mr. Morrison can he take caze of the debris in the yard right away. Mr.
Morrison responded yes. Mr. Strathman asked when the stairs and shed will be taken caze of.
Mr. Morrison responded the stairs aze blocked off and he is going to get an estimate.
Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal but giving the owner until February 9, 1998
to clean up the yard and untii Mazch 3, 1998 to remove the rear exterior stairs and the storage
shed. Arthur Morrison asked could he fix the shed. Mr. Strathman responded it has to be
removed or repaired, but the repairs have to be done in an acceptable fashion.
9 Acker Street West (Laid over from December 2, 1997)
Chuck Votel reported that Standard Federal Bank owns the property as of January 17, 1998. The
owners stated their intention is to get a code compiiance inspection and seli the property.
James Geske asked for a postponement and some time to pay the vacant building fee, get a code
compliance inspection, and try to sell the property. Gerry Strathman asked would the home be
sold as is. Mr. Geske responded he did not know the owner's intentions. Mr. Suathman asked
how long it would take to get the building sold, repaired, and back in shape. Mr. Geske
suggested 6 months. Mr. Strathman stated he would lay over this item to May 5, 1998. Chuck
Votel had no problem with the layover.
83 Douslas Street
Chuck Votel reported this has been vacant since Mazch 1996. The current propefty owner is
Lawrence Lawyer; Mr. Votel has not heard from him. Six summary abatement notices have been
issued. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze paid. On October 2, 1997, a code
compliance inspection was done and the $2,000 bond posted. The cost to repair is $40,000, and
the cost to demolish is $6,670.
John Ortez, 309 Hanison Avenue, appeazed and stated he is interested in acquiring the property,
but he did not know what needed to be repaired. Gerry Strathman responded the repairs are
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98'-t�2
MINUTES OF LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 Page 2
extensive with problems such as plumbing, electrical, heating, zoning. Mr. Strathman asked did
Mr. Ortez have any contact with the owner. Mr. Ortez responded no. Mr. Strathman exp]ained
that the owner has to come forward to deal with this property, post a bond, and give a plan for
rehabilitating the building. If Mr. Ortez can make contact with the owner and come back with
financial resources, the situation can be looked into.
Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the 15 day order to remove or repair the building.
Betty Moran, West 7`" Street Federation, appeazed and stated she agreed with the
recommendation.
758 Lafond Avenue
7oanne Berchard, 308 W. Rose Avenue, appeazed and stated her parents owned the property. She
hasn't been in the house since 3une 6, 1995 when her father died. Her sister and four chi]dren
were ]iving there. Evidenfly, last summer the residence was bug infested.
Chuck Votel reported the building was condemned in August 1997. Two summary abatement
notices have been issued. The vacant building registration fees and 1995-1997 real estate ta�tes
are due. Carol Erickson, heir to the property, has not discussed her intentions with Public Health.
The cost to repair is $40,000 and the cost to demolish is $7,500.
Gerry Strathman stated there is an HRA mortgage on this property and a lien. Someone will
have to establish ownership and take responsibility for the building. Chuck Votel explained the
owner has died and there aze a number of potential heirs.
Given the fact the building is condemned, in a serious state of disrepair, and absent anyone to
show cleu ownership and resources to repair it, Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the 15
day order to remove or repair the buiiding.
Joanne Berchazd asked how she could tell what needed to be done. Gerry Strathman responded
she should order a code compliance inspection. Chuck Votel added she could get a copy of the
Public Health Department's Division of Code Enforcement Order to Abate which lists
deficiencies. Ms. Berchard viewed photos of the house and said she would like a chance to fix it.
Mr. Strathman told Ms. Bernazd she should get control of the property, post a$2,000 bond, and
start the repair. Absent that, Mr. Strathman reiterated his recommendation for removal of the
building.
1107 Suburban Avenue
Jeanne Balzano, 145 W. Winifred, appeared and stated the house was for her daughter who is ill
and not abie to come in. Ms. Baizano's fiance signed for the owner of the house.
t•
MINUTES OF LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, i998 Page 3
Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since May 1995. The current propercy owners
aze listed as Wiliiam H. Demazs, Jr. and Lisa Balzano. They have stated they would like to
renovate the building but have not made significant progress. Five summary ahatements have
been issued for yazd work and snow removal. Real Estate t�es are unpaid. A code compliance
inspection was done. A$2,000 bond was forfeited because repairs were not completed. The
estimated cost to repair is $2Q000 and the cost to demolish is $5,600.
3eanne Balzano stated she had a code compliance done February 2, 1998. A lot of work has been
done. HUD had done some of ii. The Truth-in-Housing was violated and her family is planning
to pursue that. Every piece of plumbing has been replaced and it should pass inspection. A
licensed plumber needs to be called. There was no insulation in the house. The house has now
been insulated from top to down. The entire fumace had to be replaced. Ms. Balzano has gone
over everything with the furnace inspector. About 80% of the sheet rock has been changed.
There are small things to fix at this point. The inspector complained about switch plate covers
being off, but they were off because of painting and wall priming. Tf�e ceiling fixture in the
living room was down because it was recently sprayed and it was decided to leave it down
because of leakage in that azea. Ms. Balzano stated she has had some health problems. It was
tough coming up with the $2,000 bond and it was even tougher to lose it. The house is close to
being done. Some things will have to wait untii spring for repair.
Gerry Strathman asked was anyone living there now. Jeanne Balzano responded no but someone
could because there is heat, sufficient p]umbing, new appliances, new cabinets, new flooring,
new floor covering, and new insulation.
Gerry Strathman asked for the last time an inspector has been at the building. Chuck Votel
responded there was a cal] the other day about dirt and snow on the sidewalk, but the last time
inspectors were inside of the house was on December 15, 1997.
Gerry Strathman stated if what Jeanne Balzano is conect, then this building is not a candidate for
demolition. Ae asked when ihis house would be finished and ready for occupancy. Ms. Balzano
responded the concrete front steps have to be replaced, but that cannot be done until spring. The
ground has to be thawed for the retaining wall also.
Jeanne Baizano added one of her neighbors has been complaining about structural damage to the
neighbor's home caused by the retaining wall. This neighbor has been calling the police and
causing other problems. She has refused to work with an azbitrator. The retaining wa11 is
completely off of her property. According to the neighbor's mother, they have received a
sett]ement from Twin City Federa] for $20,000 for water damage, The water damage was done
by the previous owner of 1107 Suburban.
Gene Adkins, Hitchcock Firm, appeazed and stated he represents the neighbor Kazen Rustad at
1113 Suburban. The property at 1107 Suburban has caused problems at Ms. Rustad's house due
to the retaining wall. There is a cement concrete footing that is being pushed into Ms. Rustad's
G�-i�2
MINUTES OF LECsISLATNE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 Page 4
property. Jeanne Balzano responded that is not the impression of the engineer called in by Don
Wagner of the License Inspections and Environmental Protection (LISP) Office. Gerry
Strathman stated this is a civii dispute and is not something that can be resolved here.
Gerry Strathman stated given the representation of all the work that has been done on this
building, it would not be a candidate for removal at this time, however Mr. Strathman is troubled
by the long and sordid history of this property. Mr. Strathman recommended an additional four
months to complete the rehabilitation of this building, subject to the posting of another $2,000
bond by noon of February 11, 1998. Jeanne Balzano stated that is financially very hard. Mr.
Suathman responded the money will be returned if the work is completed.
Karen Rustad, 1113 Suburban, appeazed and stated she had an azchitectural engineer at her
house. She presented a letter to Gerry Strathman. Ms. Rustad stated she had to remove part of
the retaining wall because the City gave her a correction notice to do so. Gerry Strathman
reiterated that the issue about the retaining wall cannot be dealt with here. He retumed the letter
to Ms. Rustad.
Gerry Strathman stated the City Council will not get into the matter of the retaining wall either,
but recommended 7eanne Balzano appear at the Councii meeting on February 1 I since there may
be a daspute.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends 4 months to complete the rehabilitation on
condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of February 1 l, 1998.
2125 Waukon Avenue
Chuck Votei reported the house was condemned in May 1997. One summary abatement order
was issued to secure the building. An order to abate a nuisance building was issued in October
1997. The vacant buiiding fees aze due. The real estate taYes aze paid. The estimated cost to
repair is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $5,500.
John Nelson and Lu•ry Asche, both from TCF Bank, appeared at the meeting. Mr. Nelson stated
this is a property that TCF Bank was forced to take back. TCF was notified in January 1997 that
there was a condemnation order. They plan to market the property. Mr. Asche is the property
manager. He will make artangements to post the vacant bu3lding fee and get a code compliance
report. TCF Bank would like additional time to get the property sold.
Gerry Strathman recommended a layover to May 5, 1998. Hopefully in three months there will
be a new owner who will post the bonds and initiate the necessary repairs.
The meeting was adjoumed at 10:51 a.m.
q�-�a�
. .,.,
Date: �ebruary 3, 1998
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Piace: Room 330 City Hall
I S West Kellogg Boulevazd
LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 9 Acker Street
West. If the owner fails to comp]y with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove
the building.
(Laid over from December 2, 1997)
The Legislative Heazing Officer laid over this item to May 5, 1998.
2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 83 Douglas
Street. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Heazing Officer recommends approval of the 15 day order to repair or
remove the building.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 758 Lafond
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of ihe 15 day order to repair or
remove the building.
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 1107 Suburban
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends 4 months to complete the rehabilitation on
condition that a$2,000 bond is gosted by noon of February I 1, 1998.
5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the buiiding located at 2125 Waukon
Avenue. if the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer ]aid over this item to May 5, 1998.
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LEGISLATIVE HEARTNG REPORT, 2-3-1998 Page 2
6. Summary Abatement Order regarding property located at 1173 Bradley Street.
The Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends denying the appeal but giving the owner
until February 9, 1998 to clean up the yazd and unul Mazch 3, 1998 to remove the reaz
exterior stairs and the storage shed.
oRi�iNA�
Presented By
Referred To
Reso�urioN
CITY OF SAIN�j �AUL, I�
co�oi� Fil2 # 98^/l2
Green Sheet # ���� �
'A '�
Committee: Date
WHEREAS, Public Health has requested the City Council to hold public hearings to consider
the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood
frame structure located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properry" and commonly
l�own as 758 L.afond Avenue. This property is legally described as follows, to wit:
Lflt 5, Chute Brothers Division No. 12, Addition to the City of St. Paul, Minnesota
WHEREAS, hased upon the records in tke Ramsey County Recorder's Office and
information obtained by Public Health on or before October 7, 1997, the following are the now
known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Carol Erickson, 781 Front Avenue,
2nd Floor, St. Paul, MN 55103; Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 25 West Fourth Street,
Ste. 1200, St. Paul, MN 55102, Attn: Mary Hanson; B& F Distributing, DBA Tracy-Tripp Fuel,
11650 Courthouse Blvd. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, Re: Lien vs. Gordon Burchard
WHEREAS, Public Health has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the
Saint Paul I.egislative Code an order identified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated
October 27, 1997; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested ar 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 Properry by November 26, 1997; 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
R'FiEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Public Health requested that
the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Ciry 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 L.egislative Code, of the time, date, place and
purpose of the public hearings; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the L,egisiative Aearing Officer of the Saint Paul Ciry
Council on Tuesday, February 3, 1998 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 Properry safe and not detrnnental to the public peace, health,
safery and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by
demolishing and removing the sm�cture in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
The rehabilitation or demolition of the structure to be completed within fifteen (15) days after the
date of the Council Hearing; and
4P �� z
ORlGINAL
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on VJednesday, February
11, 1998 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the L,egislative Hearing
O�cer 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 Ciry Council hereby adopts the following Findings and
Order concerning the Subject Property at 758 L.afond Avenue:
1. That the Subject Froperty comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
2. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estnnated to exceed
three thousand dollars ($3,000.00).
3. 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 lrnown responsible
parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s).
5. That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been conected.
6. That Public Health has posted a placard on the Subject Property which declares it to
be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
7. That this building has been routinely monitored by the VacanUNuisance Buildings
Code Enforcement Program.
8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this
resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled.
ORDER
The Saint Paul Ciry CouncIl hereby makes the following order:
1. The above referenced interested or responsible parCies shall make the Subject Properry safe
and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safery and welfare and remove its biighting
influence on the community by rehabilitating ttus structure and conecting all deficiencies as
prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with
all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilita6on or
demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the
date of the Council Hearing.
9P-1�2
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V�`ri�,;
2. If the above conective action is not completed within this period of time the Public Health,
Code Enforcement Program is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to
demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the
Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all
personal properiy or fixtures of any ldnd which interfere with the demolition and removal
shall be removed from the properry by the responsible parties by the end of this time period.
If all personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City
of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such properiy as provided by law.
4. It is fiurther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested
parties in accardance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
By:
Appx
By:
Fir • Code Enforcement Division
By: ��� ��
Form Approved by City Attorney
B �c�e.Q.-e� ���� l'2D�9�
Approved by Mayor for submission to
Council
�.. ��� —�
Adopted by Council: Date �..� �\ �`���
,
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
9�-1�z
Code Enforcement
01/09/98
GREEN SHEET
No
61555
�. Vote�292-7718 �f
JNCIL AGENDA BY (DATE�
11, 1998 A° '�`"
M,w��
RW{iIN6
ORDEft
TOTAL � OF S1C,NATURE PAGES
�.�,,.��.�
0 2 �,,,.� �H� `'a �«�
���� ❑..�u.,�.�,,.«Ta
� WroR1�.�fMGltlf� �
(CL1P ALL IOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
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, Public Health is ordered to remove the
building. The subject property is located at 758 Lafond Avenue.
PLANNfNG CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CML SERVICE CAMMISSION
t50NAL SERVICE CONiRACTS MUST ANSWER TXE FOLLAWING Q
Has Nis persoMrtm e�+er worked under a cont2c[ for this departmenll
`!ES NO
Has tnia Pa�soNfirm e� been a Wy empbyee?
YES NO
Does this percoNfirtn powess a s1611 nat nomwllypoGSSesseU by any cUrtent city empbyee?
VES NO
IS t�is pe�soNGmi a farpe[ed vendor?
YES NO
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 known
to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 758 Lafond Avenue by
I3ovember 26, 1997, and have failed to comply with those orders.
-, el.Liw�..
���� ',�� ��� �����
2 ���9$ 3..'0.� R, 4� �., `
The City will eliminate a nuisance. 9 � 0 � ° � ��•'� ��� �� �998
)ISADVANTAGES IF APPROVED ' � s . a . _ _ � ..
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the
pronertv. collected as a sroecial assessment a�ainst the uronertv taxes.
A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s} will continue to blight the
community.
fOTAL AMOUN7 OF TRANSAC710N Y ' � COST/REVENUE BUDfiEfED (CIRCLE ONh7 YES " NO
Nuisance Housing Abatement 61
NNOIN6 SOURCE ACTNITY NWABER
(��M
\
DEPAR"Ib1ENT OF ARE AVD SAFETY SERVICES 98-t/2
Timo[hy K. Fuller, Fire ChieJ
DNISION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEN"I'
Charles Yotel, Program Diredar
CTTY OF SA]IV'I' PAUL Nuisance Building Code Enforcement
Norn+ Colemax, Afayor 555 Cedar Street Tel: 612-248-1153
SaintPm+l,iLLY5�101-1360 Fax:612-222-2770
7anuary 9, 1998
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President and
Members of the Ciry Council
Saint Paul Public Health, VacantlNuisance Buildings Enforcement Unit has requested the
City Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal
of the nuisance building(s) located at:
758 Lafond Avenue
The City Counci] has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, February 3, 1998
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, February 11, 199$
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
Carol Erickson
781 Front Avenue, 2nd Floor
St. Paul, MN 55103
Interest
Daughter of Deceased Fee Owner
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
25 West Fourth Street, Ste. 1200
St. Paul, MN 55102
Attn: Mary Hanson
B & F Distribut9ng
DBA Tracy-Tripp Fuel
11650 Courthouse Blvd. E.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Re: Lien vs. Gordon Burchard
The legal description of this property is:
Mortgagee
Lien Holder
Lot 5, Chute Brothers Division No. 12, Addition to the Ciry of St. Paul,
Minnesota
98-��2
758 Lafond Avenue
7anuary 9, 1998
Page 2
Saint Paul Public Health has declared this buiiding(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by
Lzaislative Code, Chapter 45. Public Health 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).
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the biighting influence of this property. It is the
recommendation of Pubiic Health that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the
responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this buildin� in a timely manner,
and failin� that, authorize Public Health to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess
the costs incuned against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same
manner as taxes.
' cerely,
��
R ta Weiss
Program Supervisor
VacandNuisance Building Unit
Saint Paul Public Health
RW:mi
cc: Jan Gasterland, Building Inspection and Design
Stephen Christie, City Attorneys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council
Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall
Dan Pahl, PED-Housing Division
01-93
9�-i�2
MINLITES OF LEGISLATIVE HEARING
February 3, 1998
Room 33Q City Hail
Gerry Strathman, L,egislative Hearing Officer
3TAFF PRESENT: Chuck Votel and Guy Willits, Public Health
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer, called the meering to order at 10:02 a.m.
1173 Bradlev Street
Arthur Morrison, owner, stated he plans to file taxes today and should have money in a month.
He will use it to take caze of the problems. All the businesses he has contacted are busy now.
Gerry Strathman asked Mr. Morrison can he take caze of the debris in the yard right away. Mr.
Morrison responded yes. Mr. Strathman asked when the stairs and shed will be taken caze of.
Mr. Morrison responded the stairs aze blocked off and he is going to get an estimate.
Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal but giving the owner until February 9, 1998
to clean up the yard and untii Mazch 3, 1998 to remove the rear exterior stairs and the storage
shed. Arthur Morrison asked could he fix the shed. Mr. Strathman responded it has to be
removed or repaired, but the repairs have to be done in an acceptable fashion.
9 Acker Street West (Laid over from December 2, 1997)
Chuck Votel reported that Standard Federal Bank owns the property as of January 17, 1998. The
owners stated their intention is to get a code compiiance inspection and seli the property.
James Geske asked for a postponement and some time to pay the vacant building fee, get a code
compliance inspection, and try to sell the property. Gerry Strathman asked would the home be
sold as is. Mr. Geske responded he did not know the owner's intentions. Mr. Suathman asked
how long it would take to get the building sold, repaired, and back in shape. Mr. Geske
suggested 6 months. Mr. Strathman stated he would lay over this item to May 5, 1998. Chuck
Votel had no problem with the layover.
83 Douslas Street
Chuck Votel reported this has been vacant since Mazch 1996. The current propefty owner is
Lawrence Lawyer; Mr. Votel has not heard from him. Six summary abatement notices have been
issued. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze paid. On October 2, 1997, a code
compliance inspection was done and the $2,000 bond posted. The cost to repair is $40,000, and
the cost to demolish is $6,670.
John Ortez, 309 Hanison Avenue, appeazed and stated he is interested in acquiring the property,
but he did not know what needed to be repaired. Gerry Strathman responded the repairs are
�
98'-t�2
MINUTES OF LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 Page 2
extensive with problems such as plumbing, electrical, heating, zoning. Mr. Strathman asked did
Mr. Ortez have any contact with the owner. Mr. Ortez responded no. Mr. Strathman exp]ained
that the owner has to come forward to deal with this property, post a bond, and give a plan for
rehabilitating the building. If Mr. Ortez can make contact with the owner and come back with
financial resources, the situation can be looked into.
Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the 15 day order to remove or repair the building.
Betty Moran, West 7`" Street Federation, appeazed and stated she agreed with the
recommendation.
758 Lafond Avenue
7oanne Berchard, 308 W. Rose Avenue, appeazed and stated her parents owned the property. She
hasn't been in the house since 3une 6, 1995 when her father died. Her sister and four chi]dren
were ]iving there. Evidenfly, last summer the residence was bug infested.
Chuck Votel reported the building was condemned in August 1997. Two summary abatement
notices have been issued. The vacant building registration fees and 1995-1997 real estate ta�tes
are due. Carol Erickson, heir to the property, has not discussed her intentions with Public Health.
The cost to repair is $40,000 and the cost to demolish is $7,500.
Gerry Strathman stated there is an HRA mortgage on this property and a lien. Someone will
have to establish ownership and take responsibility for the building. Chuck Votel explained the
owner has died and there aze a number of potential heirs.
Given the fact the building is condemned, in a serious state of disrepair, and absent anyone to
show cleu ownership and resources to repair it, Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the 15
day order to remove or repair the buiiding.
Joanne Berchazd asked how she could tell what needed to be done. Gerry Strathman responded
she should order a code compliance inspection. Chuck Votel added she could get a copy of the
Public Health Department's Division of Code Enforcement Order to Abate which lists
deficiencies. Ms. Berchard viewed photos of the house and said she would like a chance to fix it.
Mr. Strathman told Ms. Bernazd she should get control of the property, post a$2,000 bond, and
start the repair. Absent that, Mr. Strathman reiterated his recommendation for removal of the
building.
1107 Suburban Avenue
Jeanne Balzano, 145 W. Winifred, appeared and stated the house was for her daughter who is ill
and not abie to come in. Ms. Baizano's fiance signed for the owner of the house.
t•
MINUTES OF LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, i998 Page 3
Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since May 1995. The current propercy owners
aze listed as Wiliiam H. Demazs, Jr. and Lisa Balzano. They have stated they would like to
renovate the building but have not made significant progress. Five summary ahatements have
been issued for yazd work and snow removal. Real Estate t�es are unpaid. A code compliance
inspection was done. A$2,000 bond was forfeited because repairs were not completed. The
estimated cost to repair is $2Q000 and the cost to demolish is $5,600.
3eanne Balzano stated she had a code compliance done February 2, 1998. A lot of work has been
done. HUD had done some of ii. The Truth-in-Housing was violated and her family is planning
to pursue that. Every piece of plumbing has been replaced and it should pass inspection. A
licensed plumber needs to be called. There was no insulation in the house. The house has now
been insulated from top to down. The entire fumace had to be replaced. Ms. Balzano has gone
over everything with the furnace inspector. About 80% of the sheet rock has been changed.
There are small things to fix at this point. The inspector complained about switch plate covers
being off, but they were off because of painting and wall priming. Tf�e ceiling fixture in the
living room was down because it was recently sprayed and it was decided to leave it down
because of leakage in that azea. Ms. Balzano stated she has had some health problems. It was
tough coming up with the $2,000 bond and it was even tougher to lose it. The house is close to
being done. Some things will have to wait untii spring for repair.
Gerry Strathman asked was anyone living there now. Jeanne Balzano responded no but someone
could because there is heat, sufficient p]umbing, new appliances, new cabinets, new flooring,
new floor covering, and new insulation.
Gerry Strathman asked for the last time an inspector has been at the building. Chuck Votel
responded there was a cal] the other day about dirt and snow on the sidewalk, but the last time
inspectors were inside of the house was on December 15, 1997.
Gerry Strathman stated if what Jeanne Balzano is conect, then this building is not a candidate for
demolition. Ae asked when ihis house would be finished and ready for occupancy. Ms. Balzano
responded the concrete front steps have to be replaced, but that cannot be done until spring. The
ground has to be thawed for the retaining wall also.
Jeanne Baizano added one of her neighbors has been complaining about structural damage to the
neighbor's home caused by the retaining wall. This neighbor has been calling the police and
causing other problems. She has refused to work with an azbitrator. The retaining wa11 is
completely off of her property. According to the neighbor's mother, they have received a
sett]ement from Twin City Federa] for $20,000 for water damage, The water damage was done
by the previous owner of 1107 Suburban.
Gene Adkins, Hitchcock Firm, appeazed and stated he represents the neighbor Kazen Rustad at
1113 Suburban. The property at 1107 Suburban has caused problems at Ms. Rustad's house due
to the retaining wall. There is a cement concrete footing that is being pushed into Ms. Rustad's
G�-i�2
MINUTES OF LECsISLATNE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 Page 4
property. Jeanne Balzano responded that is not the impression of the engineer called in by Don
Wagner of the License Inspections and Environmental Protection (LISP) Office. Gerry
Strathman stated this is a civii dispute and is not something that can be resolved here.
Gerry Strathman stated given the representation of all the work that has been done on this
building, it would not be a candidate for removal at this time, however Mr. Strathman is troubled
by the long and sordid history of this property. Mr. Strathman recommended an additional four
months to complete the rehabilitation of this building, subject to the posting of another $2,000
bond by noon of February 11, 1998. Jeanne Balzano stated that is financially very hard. Mr.
Suathman responded the money will be returned if the work is completed.
Karen Rustad, 1113 Suburban, appeazed and stated she had an azchitectural engineer at her
house. She presented a letter to Gerry Strathman. Ms. Rustad stated she had to remove part of
the retaining wall because the City gave her a correction notice to do so. Gerry Strathman
reiterated that the issue about the retaining wall cannot be dealt with here. He retumed the letter
to Ms. Rustad.
Gerry Strathman stated the City Council will not get into the matter of the retaining wall either,
but recommended 7eanne Balzano appear at the Councii meeting on February 1 I since there may
be a daspute.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends 4 months to complete the rehabilitation on
condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of February 1 l, 1998.
2125 Waukon Avenue
Chuck Votei reported the house was condemned in May 1997. One summary abatement order
was issued to secure the building. An order to abate a nuisance building was issued in October
1997. The vacant buiiding fees aze due. The real estate taYes aze paid. The estimated cost to
repair is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $5,500.
John Nelson and Lu•ry Asche, both from TCF Bank, appeared at the meeting. Mr. Nelson stated
this is a property that TCF Bank was forced to take back. TCF was notified in January 1997 that
there was a condemnation order. They plan to market the property. Mr. Asche is the property
manager. He will make artangements to post the vacant bu3lding fee and get a code compliance
report. TCF Bank would like additional time to get the property sold.
Gerry Strathman recommended a layover to May 5, 1998. Hopefully in three months there will
be a new owner who will post the bonds and initiate the necessary repairs.
The meeting was adjoumed at 10:51 a.m.
q�-�a�
. .,.,
Date: �ebruary 3, 1998
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Piace: Room 330 City Hall
I S West Kellogg Boulevazd
LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 9 Acker Street
West. If the owner fails to comp]y with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove
the building.
(Laid over from December 2, 1997)
The Legislative Heazing Officer laid over this item to May 5, 1998.
2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 83 Douglas
Street. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Heazing Officer recommends approval of the 15 day order to repair or
remove the building.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 758 Lafond
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of ihe 15 day order to repair or
remove the building.
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 1107 Suburban
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends 4 months to complete the rehabilitation on
condition that a$2,000 bond is gosted by noon of February I 1, 1998.
5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the buiiding located at 2125 Waukon
Avenue. if the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer ]aid over this item to May 5, 1998.
q�-l12
LEGISLATIVE HEARTNG REPORT, 2-3-1998 Page 2
6. Summary Abatement Order regarding property located at 1173 Bradley Street.
The Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends denying the appeal but giving the owner
until February 9, 1998 to clean up the yazd and unul Mazch 3, 1998 to remove the reaz
exterior stairs and the storage shed.
oRi�iNA�
Presented By
Referred To
Reso�urioN
CITY OF SAIN�j �AUL, I�
co�oi� Fil2 # 98^/l2
Green Sheet # ���� �
'A '�
Committee: Date
WHEREAS, Public Health has requested the City Council to hold public hearings to consider
the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and removal of a two-story, wood
frame structure located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properry" and commonly
l�own as 758 L.afond Avenue. This property is legally described as follows, to wit:
Lflt 5, Chute Brothers Division No. 12, Addition to the City of St. Paul, Minnesota
WHEREAS, hased upon the records in tke Ramsey County Recorder's Office and
information obtained by Public Health on or before October 7, 1997, the following are the now
known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Carol Erickson, 781 Front Avenue,
2nd Floor, St. Paul, MN 55103; Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 25 West Fourth Street,
Ste. 1200, St. Paul, MN 55102, Attn: Mary Hanson; B& F Distributing, DBA Tracy-Tripp Fuel,
11650 Courthouse Blvd. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, Re: Lien vs. Gordon Burchard
WHEREAS, Public Health has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the
Saint Paul I.egislative Code an order identified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated
October 27, 1997; and
WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested ar 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 Properry by November 26, 1997; 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
R'FiEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Public Health requested that
the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Ciry 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 L.egislative Code, of the time, date, place and
purpose of the public hearings; and
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the L,egisiative Aearing Officer of the Saint Paul Ciry
Council on Tuesday, February 3, 1998 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 Properry safe and not detrnnental to the public peace, health,
safery and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by
demolishing and removing the sm�cture in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
The rehabilitation or demolition of the structure to be completed within fifteen (15) days after the
date of the Council Hearing; and
4P �� z
ORlGINAL
WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on VJednesday, February
11, 1998 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the L,egislative Hearing
O�cer 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 Ciry Council hereby adopts the following Findings and
Order concerning the Subject Property at 758 L.afond Avenue:
1. That the Subject Froperty comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Chapter 45.
2. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estnnated to exceed
three thousand dollars ($3,000.00).
3. 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 lrnown responsible
parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s).
5. That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been conected.
6. That Public Health has posted a placard on the Subject Property which declares it to
be a nuisance condition subject to demolition.
7. That this building has been routinely monitored by the VacanUNuisance Buildings
Code Enforcement Program.
8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this
resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled.
ORDER
The Saint Paul Ciry CouncIl hereby makes the following order:
1. The above referenced interested or responsible parCies shall make the Subject Properry safe
and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safery and welfare and remove its biighting
influence on the community by rehabilitating ttus structure and conecting all deficiencies as
prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with
all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the
structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilita6on or
demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the
date of the Council Hearing.
9P-1�2
' �`` `
V�`ri�,;
2. If the above conective action is not completed within this period of time the Public Health,
Code Enforcement Program is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to
demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the
Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all
personal properiy or fixtures of any ldnd which interfere with the demolition and removal
shall be removed from the properry by the responsible parties by the end of this time period.
If all personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City
of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such properiy as provided by law.
4. It is fiurther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested
parties in accardance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
Requested by Department of:
By:
Appx
By:
Fir • Code Enforcement Division
By: ��� ��
Form Approved by City Attorney
B �c�e.Q.-e� ���� l'2D�9�
Approved by Mayor for submission to
Council
�.. ��� —�
Adopted by Council: Date �..� �\ �`���
,
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
9�-1�z
Code Enforcement
01/09/98
GREEN SHEET
No
61555
�. Vote�292-7718 �f
JNCIL AGENDA BY (DATE�
11, 1998 A° '�`"
M,w��
RW{iIN6
ORDEft
TOTAL � OF S1C,NATURE PAGES
�.�,,.��.�
0 2 �,,,.� �H� `'a �«�
���� ❑..�u.,�.�,,.«Ta
� WroR1�.�fMGltlf� �
(CL1P ALL IOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
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, Public Health is ordered to remove the
building. The subject property is located at 758 Lafond Avenue.
PLANNfNG CAMMISSION
CIB COMMITTEE
CML SERVICE CAMMISSION
t50NAL SERVICE CONiRACTS MUST ANSWER TXE FOLLAWING Q
Has Nis persoMrtm e�+er worked under a cont2c[ for this departmenll
`!ES NO
Has tnia Pa�soNfirm e� been a Wy empbyee?
YES NO
Does this percoNfirtn powess a s1611 nat nomwllypoGSSesseU by any cUrtent city empbyee?
VES NO
IS t�is pe�soNGmi a farpe[ed vendor?
YES NO
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 known
to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 758 Lafond Avenue by
I3ovember 26, 1997, and have failed to comply with those orders.
-, el.Liw�..
���� ',�� ��� �����
2 ���9$ 3..'0.� R, 4� �., `
The City will eliminate a nuisance. 9 � 0 � ° � ��•'� ��� �� �998
)ISADVANTAGES IF APPROVED ' � s . a . _ _ � ..
The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the
pronertv. collected as a sroecial assessment a�ainst the uronertv taxes.
A nuisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s} will continue to blight the
community.
fOTAL AMOUN7 OF TRANSAC710N Y ' � COST/REVENUE BUDfiEfED (CIRCLE ONh7 YES " NO
Nuisance Housing Abatement 61
NNOIN6 SOURCE ACTNITY NWABER
(��M
\
DEPAR"Ib1ENT OF ARE AVD SAFETY SERVICES 98-t/2
Timo[hy K. Fuller, Fire ChieJ
DNISION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMEN"I'
Charles Yotel, Program Diredar
CTTY OF SA]IV'I' PAUL Nuisance Building Code Enforcement
Norn+ Colemax, Afayor 555 Cedar Street Tel: 612-248-1153
SaintPm+l,iLLY5�101-1360 Fax:612-222-2770
7anuary 9, 1998
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Council President and
Members of the Ciry Council
Saint Paul Public Health, VacantlNuisance Buildings Enforcement Unit has requested the
City Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal
of the nuisance building(s) located at:
758 Lafond Avenue
The City Counci] has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows:
Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, February 3, 1998
City Council Hearing - Wednesday, February 11, 199$
The owners and responsible parties of record are:
Name and Last Known Address
Carol Erickson
781 Front Avenue, 2nd Floor
St. Paul, MN 55103
Interest
Daughter of Deceased Fee Owner
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
25 West Fourth Street, Ste. 1200
St. Paul, MN 55102
Attn: Mary Hanson
B & F Distribut9ng
DBA Tracy-Tripp Fuel
11650 Courthouse Blvd. E.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Re: Lien vs. Gordon Burchard
The legal description of this property is:
Mortgagee
Lien Holder
Lot 5, Chute Brothers Division No. 12, Addition to the Ciry of St. Paul,
Minnesota
98-��2
758 Lafond Avenue
7anuary 9, 1998
Page 2
Saint Paul Public Health has declared this buiiding(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by
Lzaislative Code, Chapter 45. Public Health 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).
Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains
unabated, the community continues to suffer the biighting influence of this property. It is the
recommendation of Pubiic Health that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the
responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this buildin� in a timely manner,
and failin� that, authorize Public Health to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess
the costs incuned against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same
manner as taxes.
' cerely,
��
R ta Weiss
Program Supervisor
VacandNuisance Building Unit
Saint Paul Public Health
RW:mi
cc: Jan Gasterland, Building Inspection and Design
Stephen Christie, City Attorneys Office
Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council
Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall
Dan Pahl, PED-Housing Division
01-93
9�-i�2
MINLITES OF LEGISLATIVE HEARING
February 3, 1998
Room 33Q City Hail
Gerry Strathman, L,egislative Hearing Officer
3TAFF PRESENT: Chuck Votel and Guy Willits, Public Health
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer, called the meering to order at 10:02 a.m.
1173 Bradlev Street
Arthur Morrison, owner, stated he plans to file taxes today and should have money in a month.
He will use it to take caze of the problems. All the businesses he has contacted are busy now.
Gerry Strathman asked Mr. Morrison can he take caze of the debris in the yard right away. Mr.
Morrison responded yes. Mr. Strathman asked when the stairs and shed will be taken caze of.
Mr. Morrison responded the stairs aze blocked off and he is going to get an estimate.
Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal but giving the owner until February 9, 1998
to clean up the yard and untii Mazch 3, 1998 to remove the rear exterior stairs and the storage
shed. Arthur Morrison asked could he fix the shed. Mr. Strathman responded it has to be
removed or repaired, but the repairs have to be done in an acceptable fashion.
9 Acker Street West (Laid over from December 2, 1997)
Chuck Votel reported that Standard Federal Bank owns the property as of January 17, 1998. The
owners stated their intention is to get a code compiiance inspection and seli the property.
James Geske asked for a postponement and some time to pay the vacant building fee, get a code
compliance inspection, and try to sell the property. Gerry Strathman asked would the home be
sold as is. Mr. Geske responded he did not know the owner's intentions. Mr. Suathman asked
how long it would take to get the building sold, repaired, and back in shape. Mr. Geske
suggested 6 months. Mr. Strathman stated he would lay over this item to May 5, 1998. Chuck
Votel had no problem with the layover.
83 Douslas Street
Chuck Votel reported this has been vacant since Mazch 1996. The current propefty owner is
Lawrence Lawyer; Mr. Votel has not heard from him. Six summary abatement notices have been
issued. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze paid. On October 2, 1997, a code
compliance inspection was done and the $2,000 bond posted. The cost to repair is $40,000, and
the cost to demolish is $6,670.
John Ortez, 309 Hanison Avenue, appeazed and stated he is interested in acquiring the property,
but he did not know what needed to be repaired. Gerry Strathman responded the repairs are
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MINUTES OF LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 Page 2
extensive with problems such as plumbing, electrical, heating, zoning. Mr. Strathman asked did
Mr. Ortez have any contact with the owner. Mr. Ortez responded no. Mr. Strathman exp]ained
that the owner has to come forward to deal with this property, post a bond, and give a plan for
rehabilitating the building. If Mr. Ortez can make contact with the owner and come back with
financial resources, the situation can be looked into.
Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the 15 day order to remove or repair the building.
Betty Moran, West 7`" Street Federation, appeazed and stated she agreed with the
recommendation.
758 Lafond Avenue
7oanne Berchard, 308 W. Rose Avenue, appeazed and stated her parents owned the property. She
hasn't been in the house since 3une 6, 1995 when her father died. Her sister and four chi]dren
were ]iving there. Evidenfly, last summer the residence was bug infested.
Chuck Votel reported the building was condemned in August 1997. Two summary abatement
notices have been issued. The vacant building registration fees and 1995-1997 real estate ta�tes
are due. Carol Erickson, heir to the property, has not discussed her intentions with Public Health.
The cost to repair is $40,000 and the cost to demolish is $7,500.
Gerry Strathman stated there is an HRA mortgage on this property and a lien. Someone will
have to establish ownership and take responsibility for the building. Chuck Votel explained the
owner has died and there aze a number of potential heirs.
Given the fact the building is condemned, in a serious state of disrepair, and absent anyone to
show cleu ownership and resources to repair it, Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the 15
day order to remove or repair the buiiding.
Joanne Berchazd asked how she could tell what needed to be done. Gerry Strathman responded
she should order a code compliance inspection. Chuck Votel added she could get a copy of the
Public Health Department's Division of Code Enforcement Order to Abate which lists
deficiencies. Ms. Berchard viewed photos of the house and said she would like a chance to fix it.
Mr. Strathman told Ms. Bernazd she should get control of the property, post a$2,000 bond, and
start the repair. Absent that, Mr. Strathman reiterated his recommendation for removal of the
building.
1107 Suburban Avenue
Jeanne Balzano, 145 W. Winifred, appeared and stated the house was for her daughter who is ill
and not abie to come in. Ms. Baizano's fiance signed for the owner of the house.
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MINUTES OF LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, i998 Page 3
Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since May 1995. The current propercy owners
aze listed as Wiliiam H. Demazs, Jr. and Lisa Balzano. They have stated they would like to
renovate the building but have not made significant progress. Five summary ahatements have
been issued for yazd work and snow removal. Real Estate t�es are unpaid. A code compliance
inspection was done. A$2,000 bond was forfeited because repairs were not completed. The
estimated cost to repair is $2Q000 and the cost to demolish is $5,600.
3eanne Balzano stated she had a code compliance done February 2, 1998. A lot of work has been
done. HUD had done some of ii. The Truth-in-Housing was violated and her family is planning
to pursue that. Every piece of plumbing has been replaced and it should pass inspection. A
licensed plumber needs to be called. There was no insulation in the house. The house has now
been insulated from top to down. The entire fumace had to be replaced. Ms. Balzano has gone
over everything with the furnace inspector. About 80% of the sheet rock has been changed.
There are small things to fix at this point. The inspector complained about switch plate covers
being off, but they were off because of painting and wall priming. Tf�e ceiling fixture in the
living room was down because it was recently sprayed and it was decided to leave it down
because of leakage in that azea. Ms. Balzano stated she has had some health problems. It was
tough coming up with the $2,000 bond and it was even tougher to lose it. The house is close to
being done. Some things will have to wait untii spring for repair.
Gerry Strathman asked was anyone living there now. Jeanne Balzano responded no but someone
could because there is heat, sufficient p]umbing, new appliances, new cabinets, new flooring,
new floor covering, and new insulation.
Gerry Strathman asked for the last time an inspector has been at the building. Chuck Votel
responded there was a cal] the other day about dirt and snow on the sidewalk, but the last time
inspectors were inside of the house was on December 15, 1997.
Gerry Strathman stated if what Jeanne Balzano is conect, then this building is not a candidate for
demolition. Ae asked when ihis house would be finished and ready for occupancy. Ms. Balzano
responded the concrete front steps have to be replaced, but that cannot be done until spring. The
ground has to be thawed for the retaining wall also.
Jeanne Baizano added one of her neighbors has been complaining about structural damage to the
neighbor's home caused by the retaining wall. This neighbor has been calling the police and
causing other problems. She has refused to work with an azbitrator. The retaining wa11 is
completely off of her property. According to the neighbor's mother, they have received a
sett]ement from Twin City Federa] for $20,000 for water damage, The water damage was done
by the previous owner of 1107 Suburban.
Gene Adkins, Hitchcock Firm, appeazed and stated he represents the neighbor Kazen Rustad at
1113 Suburban. The property at 1107 Suburban has caused problems at Ms. Rustad's house due
to the retaining wall. There is a cement concrete footing that is being pushed into Ms. Rustad's
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MINUTES OF LECsISLATNE HEARING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 Page 4
property. Jeanne Balzano responded that is not the impression of the engineer called in by Don
Wagner of the License Inspections and Environmental Protection (LISP) Office. Gerry
Strathman stated this is a civii dispute and is not something that can be resolved here.
Gerry Strathman stated given the representation of all the work that has been done on this
building, it would not be a candidate for removal at this time, however Mr. Strathman is troubled
by the long and sordid history of this property. Mr. Strathman recommended an additional four
months to complete the rehabilitation of this building, subject to the posting of another $2,000
bond by noon of February 11, 1998. Jeanne Balzano stated that is financially very hard. Mr.
Suathman responded the money will be returned if the work is completed.
Karen Rustad, 1113 Suburban, appeazed and stated she had an azchitectural engineer at her
house. She presented a letter to Gerry Strathman. Ms. Rustad stated she had to remove part of
the retaining wall because the City gave her a correction notice to do so. Gerry Strathman
reiterated that the issue about the retaining wall cannot be dealt with here. He retumed the letter
to Ms. Rustad.
Gerry Strathman stated the City Council will not get into the matter of the retaining wall either,
but recommended 7eanne Balzano appear at the Councii meeting on February 1 I since there may
be a daspute.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends 4 months to complete the rehabilitation on
condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of February 1 l, 1998.
2125 Waukon Avenue
Chuck Votei reported the house was condemned in May 1997. One summary abatement order
was issued to secure the building. An order to abate a nuisance building was issued in October
1997. The vacant buiiding fees aze due. The real estate taYes aze paid. The estimated cost to
repair is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $5,500.
John Nelson and Lu•ry Asche, both from TCF Bank, appeared at the meeting. Mr. Nelson stated
this is a property that TCF Bank was forced to take back. TCF was notified in January 1997 that
there was a condemnation order. They plan to market the property. Mr. Asche is the property
manager. He will make artangements to post the vacant bu3lding fee and get a code compliance
report. TCF Bank would like additional time to get the property sold.
Gerry Strathman recommended a layover to May 5, 1998. Hopefully in three months there will
be a new owner who will post the bonds and initiate the necessary repairs.
The meeting was adjoumed at 10:51 a.m.
q�-�a�
. .,.,
Date: �ebruary 3, 1998
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Piace: Room 330 City Hall
I S West Kellogg Boulevazd
LEGISLATIVE HEARING
Gerry Strathman
Legislative Hearing Officer
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 9 Acker Street
West. If the owner fails to comp]y with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove
the building.
(Laid over from December 2, 1997)
The Legislative Heazing Officer laid over this item to May 5, 1998.
2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 83 Douglas
Street. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Heazing Officer recommends approval of the 15 day order to repair or
remove the building.
Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 758 Lafond
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval of ihe 15 day order to repair or
remove the building.
4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 1107 Suburban
Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends 4 months to complete the rehabilitation on
condition that a$2,000 bond is gosted by noon of February I 1, 1998.
5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the buiiding located at 2125 Waukon
Avenue. if the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to
remove the building.
The Legislative Hearing Officer ]aid over this item to May 5, 1998.
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LEGISLATIVE HEARTNG REPORT, 2-3-1998 Page 2
6. Summary Abatement Order regarding property located at 1173 Bradley Street.
The Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends denying the appeal but giving the owner
until February 9, 1998 to clean up the yazd and unul Mazch 3, 1998 to remove the reaz
exterior stairs and the storage shed.