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98-3823z OR�GINAL Council File # 9 -.382 �\�� Green Sheet # Presented By Referred To Committee: Date WHEREAS, Department of Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement 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 one and one-half, story wood frame structure located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properry" and commonly laiown as 860 Robert Street South. This properry is legally described as follows, to wit: The North 30 feet of Lot 15, Auditor's Subdivision of Lot 6, Bidwell's Addition to West St. Paul WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before December 17, 1997, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Elbert M. Berg, 603 Johnson Street, Albert I.ea, MN 56007-2337; The Money Store Minnesota, c/o Olson, Usset & Weingarden, PLLP, 4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 300, Mpls., MN 55416; Montgomery Ward Credit Corp., P.O. Box 103055, Roswell, GA 30076, Re: Lien vs. Elbert M. Berg; WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul L.egislative Code an order iden�ed as an "Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated January 21, 1998; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by Febrnary 20, 1998; 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 WE3EREAS, this nuisance condition has not been conected and Division of Code Enforcement requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul L,egislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and 9�- 3 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City Council on Tuesday, April 21, 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 Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety 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 structure 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 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the L.egislarive Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the Subject Properiy at 860 Robert Street South: 1. That the Subject Property 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 estimated to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00). 3. That there now exists and has existed mulriple Housing or Building code violations at the Subject Properry. 4. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s). 5. That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. 6. That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property wluch declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. 7. That this building has been routinely monitored by the Department of Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement, VacandNuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and that the notificarion requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: 1. The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting 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 alterna6ve by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. ORlGINAL . , , 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to demolish and remove this siructure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the Subject Properry pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul I.egislauve Code. 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the Ciry of Saini Paul, all personal property or futures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If all personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. 4. It is further ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Requested by Department of: Adopted by Council: Date O�� Adoption Certified by Counci Secretary By: �.. sy: Fire• ode Enfor Division By �QVW� Form Approved by City Attorney B ,��,� �-� Division of Code Enforcement May 6, 1998 292-7718 �f TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE 03/20/98 I GREEN SHEET � ✓ 9�'-3�a n,o 61588 InM1aVDafs a„��,+� � �lJIVAiiOR1EY� ❑,.��o.. ❑..�,�� r.,rde�ae..msn,m (� ❑ (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS 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, Department of Fue and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is located at 860 Robert Street South. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMITTEE CNIL SERVICE COMMISSION Has this person?rm everwrorked under a contrad for this department7 VES NO Has this D�soNfrm em been a citY empbyee7 YES NO Do� this pe�son/firm P� a sldll not rwrmallYP�sessed bY any curteM cily employee� YES NO Is thia P��m a tarpatetl ventloYt YES NO Why) This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 860 Robert Street South by February 20, 1998, and have failed to comply with those orders. ��, ,DVAN7AGESIFAPPROVED �/�� S��r� �Q�i}� The City will eliminate a nuisance. �� " i,' : � ' fi �,i. MAR 2 7 199� P�AY(3�`� -?�F€GE The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s): These costs will be assessed to the property, collected as a special assessm�nt against-th�-property-taYes: will remain unabated in the City. Tlus building(s) will continue to blight the community. ao,vv� - a i,vw OF TRANSACTION S Nuisance Housing Abatement COST/REVENUEBUIXiETm(CIRCLEONq �VESJ NO ACTNITY NUMBER ' �5�..','s2:�� eic+t�ive.s �j �a.u'� �IAR 2 5 1998 � ��, I� �3�Z REPORT LEGISLATIVE HEARING Date: May 19, 1998 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Bou}�yazd Gerry Strathman Legislative Aearing Officer 1. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 53 Maryland Avenue East. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Heaith is ordered to remove the building. (I,aid overfrom 4-21-98) The Legislative I-Iearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that the vacant building fee is paid and the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 27. 2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 860 Robert Street South. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. (Laid over from 4-21-98) The L,egislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is completed and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of June 10. 3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 17 Congress Street West. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The L,egislative Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 516 Como 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 the 15 day order to remove or repair. 9� 3 �z L.EGISLATIVE HEARING REPORT, 5-19-98 Page 2 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 240 Belvidere Street East. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. - - The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 6. Resolution ordering the owner or remove or repair the building located at 921-927 Selbv Avenue (917 Selbv Avenue. ff the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legisla6ve Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to six months. 9� - 38z MINUTES OF TI-� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MAY 19, 1998 Room 330, City Hall Gerry Strathman, Legislative Aearing Officer STAFF PRFSENT: Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. 53 Marvland Avenue East (Laid over from 421-98) Ed Conley, 329 Summit Avenue, appeared and stated he is currenfly involved with a purchase agreement with the bank. He owns a renovation company which has done about 90 renovations in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. He has a list of items that need to be done. He would like to get the demolition process stopped, close with the bank next week, and post the $2,000 bond. Chuck Votel reported this was laid over in April in hopes that someone would come forward to repair the building. Ed Conley did obtain a code compliance inspection report. Mr. Votel stated he would like the bond to be posted, and the vacant building fee paid. If that is received, Mr. Votel is fine with a 180 days amendment to the resolution. Gerry Strathman recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that the vacant building fee is paid and the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 27. 860 Robert Street South (I,aid over from 4-21-98) Paul Weingarden, Attorney for the Bank of New York as trustee, appeared and stated this property was in foreclosure. The necessary steps were taken to reduce the redemption period from six months down to five weeks. The Bank of New York now owns the property as of April 15. His clienYs service is the Money Store in Tuisa, Oklahoma. The Money Store has looked at the list of deficiencies. Repairs should start next week. The items on the list should be corrected in 30 to 60 days. Most of these items are cosmetic. Chuck Votei reported no repairs can be commenced without building pernuts. Building permits will not be issued until the code compliance and inspection report is done, and the bond has been posted. Gerry Strathman asked when the property could be ready. Paul Weingazden responded a few weeks. Chuck Votel stated he had no probiem with that. Gerry Strathman recommended allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is done and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of June 10. 9� 3�z MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING, 5-19-98 Page 2 of 3 17 Con¢ress Street West Robyn Rasmussen, 15 West Congress Street, appeazed and stated she lives next door to this address. The owner is not here and does not caze about the property. Chuck Votel reported this building was condemned in January 1997. It has been vacant since April 1997. The current property owners are Felix L,opez and Jane Zapata. The daughter of Felix I.opez stated that he dces not plan to rehabilitate the dwelling. There have been four summary abatement notices issued for tall grass and weeds and securing the dwelling. The vacant building fees aze due. The real estate ta�ces aze paid. The cost to repair is $70,000. Robyn Rasmussen stated she was concemed about how the building would be demolished because her properiy is very close to it. Chuck Votel responded his office will give Ms. Rasmussen the name of the contracting company, and she can talk to them about that. She can also talk to Mr. Votel's office. Robyn Rasmussen stated she would not mind if the City made an offer on her house. Then the City would have a nice sized lot for a house and gazage. Gerry Strathman responded he did not think there were any projects going on in that area so the City probably would not do that. Chuck Votel suggested Ms. Rasmussen call the West Side Development Corporation. They may know more about what is going on there. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 516 Como Avenue Chuck Votel reported the owner has not discussed her intentions with his office. There have been four summary abatement notices issued for removing refuse, brush, and debris from yard and securing the points of entry. The vacant building fees aze paid. The real estate tases for 1996 and 1997 aze due. The code compliance inspection has not been applied for. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000, and the estimated cost to demolish is $6,290. Vednita Nelson, owner, appeared and stated two people are interested in buying the property. She told them both about the hearing today. Ms. Nelson said she boarded the property, not the City. This has been a rental property and Ms. Neison does not understand the nuisance part. Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the IS day order to remove or repair citing there is ample justification to initiate demolition of this property. 9� �3�Z NIII�TUTES OF TI� LEGISLATIVE HEARING, 5-19-98 Page 3 of 3 240 Belvidere Street East No one appeared. Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since November 1997. There have been fout summary abatement notices issued to remove refuse and fire debris from the yazd, immediately secure the dwelling, and remove snow and/or ice from the public sidewaik. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze due. The estimated cost to repair is $60,000. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 921-927 Selbv Avenue (917 Selbv Avenue) Chuck Votel reported the current properiy owner owes $21,449.79 in back taxes. This is a commercial building. The Selby Avenue Initiative members have come forwazd and said they would like to prevent the building from being demolished. In the paperwork is a letter by Curt Miller from Planning and Economic Development who writes that they will consider a loan of $90,000 if certain tlungs are done. Liberty State Bank says they will be participants. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to six months. The meeting was ad}ourned at 10:24 a.m. y��3�2 REPORT Date: April 21, 1998 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevazd LEGISLATIVE HEARING Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer Summary abatement appeal for 853 Fourth Street East. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 2. Summary abatement appeal for 1792 Portland Avenue. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 3. Summary abatement appeal for 1645 Ielehart Avenue. (Laid over from April 7, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying Yhe appeal. 4. Summary abatement appeal for 226 East Belvidere Sireet. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 53 Marvland Avenue East. If the owner fails to comply with Yhe resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends laying over to the May 191egislative hearing. 6. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 1291 Rice Street. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 13. �8-3 8z 7. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 780 Chazles Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is done, the $200 vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 6. 8. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 860 Robert Street South. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the buiiding. The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends laying over to the May 19 legislative hearing. 9. Summary abatement appeal for 752 I.aurel Avenue. The Izgislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 98 MINUT'ES OF TI� LEGISLATNE HEARING Apri121, 1998 Room 330, City Iiall Gerry Strathman, I.egislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Roxanna F1ink, Real Estate; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement. Note: All addresses aze laid over to the May 6 City Council meeting except for 1291 Rice Street which is laid over to the May 13 City Council meeting. Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. 752 I.aurel Avenue No one appeared. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. 226 East Belvidere Street (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Guy Willits presented photogaphs. Gloria McGrath, owner, stated she was sick at the time of this assessment. She moved out of the house temporarily when she was in the hospital and stayed with her mother afterwazds. Ms. McGrath stated she let everything go when she was ill. Someone is living in the house now. The yazd is clean. The previous owner installed a fence that should not have been instalied. When the previous tenants left, all the rubbish was left behind. Guy Willits reported that since 1996, eight summary abatements have been issued for refuse, three for vehicles, and three for cleaning. This property has been chazged $200 for excessive inspection costs. Gerry Suathman stated it looks like the owner was properly noufied and the Ciry did tow the vehicle. Gloria McGrath stated she is on complete disability and cannot pay this cost. Her income is enough to pay for just her insurance. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. Roxanna Flink suggested the owner pay the assessment over a five year period with interest. Gloria McGrath stated that would help. 8S3 Fourth Street East (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Russell Spartz, owner, appeazed. D�IINUTES OF TI-� LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF 421-98 Guy Willits presented photographs. I��'- � 8�Z Page 2 Guy Willits reported orders were mailed on June 12, 1997 and posted. Orders were mailed again on July 7, 1997. These orders were for tall grass, weeds and remove refuse. The last compliance check was July 11, 1997. The property was rechecked three times. The Thomas Dale Block Club cut the gass on July 30,1997. Russell Spartz stated the inspector was hazd to deal with. Mr. Spartz thought the neighbor cut the grass because only the top of the driveway was done, which probabiy took only five minutes. Mr. Spartz called the inspector one day about an extension. The inspector told Mr. Spartz he had two days and that was it. This inspector said it was 4:01, he gets off work at 4:00, and then hung up. Mr. Spartz says he now has a mower and tries to take caze of everything whenever he is sent a notice. Gerry Strathman stated the orders were sent on June 12, posted at the property, and again sent on July 7. Russell Spartz stated he never had two weeks to do anything because if it was not done immediately, the inspector did it. Gerry Suathman stated the grass in the picmres did not take just two weeks to grow this tall. Gerry Sirathman recommended denying the appeal. 1645 I¢lehart Avenue (Laid over from April 7, 1998) No one appeazed; Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. 1792 Portland Avenue (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Guy Willits reported the orders were mailed on June 9, 1997 to remove a bus. Compliance date was June 17, 1997. It was rechecked on June 18, 1997. It was not removed. The police removed it on July 20 (however the Summary Abatement History mistakenly reads July 10). William Manley, owner, appeazed and stated tlus was all done without notice to him. Gerry Strathman asked about evidence that the owner was notified. Guy Wiilits showed Mr. Strathman a copy of a letter the owner was sent. William Manley stated he did not receive the letter. Crerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal. All evidence indicates the letter was sent. The documents indicate the owner did receive them. Mr. Strathman stated he cannoY say anything about postal delivery. 53 Marvland Avenue East Robert Moreland appeazed and stated he is interested in buying the property. He found the house on a list of vacant buildings in Saint Paul. The bank is suppose to overnight a package to the real estate agency today about the property, but Mr. Moreland did not receive it. Mr. Moreland would 9�- 38 z MINL7T'ES OF TE� LEGISLATiVE HEARING OF 421-98 like to postpone this issue for about a month. He will bring the building up to code. Page 3 Chuck Votel reported this building has been vacant since September 1997. The current property owners have not discussed their intentions with Mr. Votel's office. The City has had to board the building against trespass. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze due. The cost to repair this building is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $6,275. Foreclosure is cemplete on the properry and the redemption period will be reduced to five weeks beginning March 4, 1998. Mr. Votel feels the building can be rehabbed. It has not been a major pmblem with his office. Robert Moreland stated he is in contact with the mortgage company and has walked through the home. The plumbing, electrical, and central heat have been brought up to code. Gerry Strathman laid over this matter to the May 19 Legislative Hearing. Chuck Votel added that the home cannot be occupied until it is brought up to code. 1291 Rice Street Urvin Olsen representing Advanta Mortgage and Mike DeRosier, Empire Clock at 1295 Rice, both appeazed. Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since August 1997. The cusent owner is Advanta Mortgage and they intent to sell it as is. The City has issued three summary abatement notices for securing it and the gazage, cutting and removing tall grass and weeds, removing refuse. The City has had to boazd the building. The real estate ta�ces aze unpaid. A code compliance inspection was done in April. The cost to repair is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $6,210. Urvin Olsen stated the bank has the property under contract for sale. The City's esumate is very accurate. The price makes it feasible to rehab. The house has nice woodwork and could be an asset to the community. The mortgage company did expedite the foreclosure period. Advanta took care of things as soon as it could. They secured the building. Twelve tons of trash were removed. Mr. Olsen has personally monitored the property on a bi-weekly basis. The home is under contract and is sold. Mike DeRosier stated since the owner has owned it, the property has gone down hill. There is only a single caz gazage there now. Over time, cazs have been pazked all over the backyazd. There is no adequate parking there. A decent garage cannot be built to be faz enough off of the alley. The lot is only 33 feet wide. The gazage is wifihin an inch of Empire Clock's property line. If the house is demolished, Mr. DeRosier is interested in purchasing the lot to get it rezoned for pazking space. Gerry Strathman recommended allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 13. (Urvan Olsen felt, because this is a foreclosure, it would be difficult to provide good title to the owner by May 6.) c I8-3$2 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF 4-21-98 780 Charles Avenue Beth Asmussen, Industry Mortgage, appeared. Page 4 Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since January 1998. Industry Mortgage now owns the property. Tlus has been a problem property for the inspectors. Numerous people have been evicted from the building. The police have been there frequently about people selling drugs. The City has boarded it numerous times. The vacant building fees and real estate ta�es aze unpaid. The cost to repair is $45,000, and the cost to demolish is $5,900. This is a five day order to repair or remove instead of the usual 15 days. Beth Asmussen stated Industry Mortgage is looking for a buyer to make the repairs. They recently became the owner after the foreclosure sale. They aze willing to post a bond. Ms. Asmussen will talk to Industry Mortgage personnel about having someone go to the residence weekly to make sure it remains secure. Gerry Strathman recommended six months to complete rehabilitation on cor,3ition that a code compliance inspection is done, the $200 vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 6. 860 Robert Street South Dennis Dalen, Bank of New York, appeazed. Chuck Votel reported this building was condemned in September 1997. It has been vacant since October 1997. The current owner is Elbert Berg who is willing to authorize Yhe Ciry to remove the building. There have been four summary abatement notices for remove snow and/or ice and secure the building. The Ciry has had to boazd the building against trespass. The real estate taxes aze unpaid. The cost to repair is $35,000, and the cost to demolish is $5,550. Mr. Votel was told the Money Store is doing a five week foreclosure and will own the property May 14, 1998. Someone from the Money Store was going to contact Gerry Strathman. Dennis Dalen stated he has an estimate from a local contractor to do repairs and was told it would be $6,500 to $10,000. The redemp6on period will be up May 14 and he cannot go on the property until that time. Mr. Dalen suggested continuing the hearing for a few months. Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the May 19 I.egislarive Hearing. Dennis Dalen was concerned about an unlawful detainer and court action if it was occupied. Chuck Votel stated the residence is condemned, therefore if it is occupied, the person will be evicted. The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 a.m. DEPARTA�NC OF FIRE AND SAFE'IY SERVICES Timothy K Fulleq Fire ChieJ � Sj �� p-� (J O DIVISION OF PROPERIY CODE ENFORCEMENT Charles Yote7, Program Direc[ar CITY OF SAII�]'f PAUL jJuisance Building Cade Enforcement Norm Coleman, Mayar 555 Ceda> Stree[ Tel.� 612-298-4153 Saint Paul, MN 5�701-?260 Fas: 611-228-3I70 i March 20, 1998 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and � Members of the Ciry Council Department of Fire and Safety Services, VacanUNuisance Bsil�i7as En.`o:cer,zer_t Division has requested the Ciry Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located at: 860 Robert Street South The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows: Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, Apri121, 1998 City Council F3earing -`Vednesday, May 6, 1998 The owners and responsible parties of record are: Name and Last Known Address Interest CoURGi! EieS8asr.h �°�t�t Eibert M. Berg 603 Johnson Street Albert L,ea, MN 56007-2337 The Money Store Minnesota c/o Olson, Usset & Weingarden, PLLP 4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 300 Mpls., MN 55416 Fee Owner Lien Holder Y bf � u � Montgomery Ward Credit Corp. Lien Holder P.O. Box 103055 Roswell, GA 30076 Re: Lien vs. Eibert M. Berg i , � �. 860 Robert Street South March 20, 1998 Page 2 The legal descriprion of this properry is: The North 30 feet of L,ot 15, Auditor's Subdivision of L,ot 6, Bidwell's Addition to West St. Paul Division of Code Enforcement has declared This buiIding(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by I,egislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removing th3s building(s). Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains unabated, the commnnity continues to suffer the blighting influence of this property. It is the recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same manner as taxes. Si rely, �+� s � �� ,}� Reneta Weiss ^ ,�"� Vacant Buildings Supervisor Division of Code Enforcement Department of Fire and Safety Services RW:mI cc: Frank $erg, Building Inspection and Design Rachel Young, City Attorneys Office Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall Dan Pahl, pED-Housing Division Oi-98 3z OR�GINAL Council File # 9 -.382 �\�� Green Sheet # Presented By Referred To Committee: Date WHEREAS, Department of Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement 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 one and one-half, story wood frame structure located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properry" and commonly laiown as 860 Robert Street South. This properry is legally described as follows, to wit: The North 30 feet of Lot 15, Auditor's Subdivision of Lot 6, Bidwell's Addition to West St. Paul WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before December 17, 1997, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Elbert M. Berg, 603 Johnson Street, Albert I.ea, MN 56007-2337; The Money Store Minnesota, c/o Olson, Usset & Weingarden, PLLP, 4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 300, Mpls., MN 55416; Montgomery Ward Credit Corp., P.O. Box 103055, Roswell, GA 30076, Re: Lien vs. Elbert M. Berg; WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul L.egislative Code an order iden�ed as an "Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated January 21, 1998; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by Febrnary 20, 1998; 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 WE3EREAS, this nuisance condition has not been conected and Division of Code Enforcement requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul L,egislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and 9�- 3 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City Council on Tuesday, April 21, 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 Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety 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 structure 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 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the L.egislarive Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the Subject Properiy at 860 Robert Street South: 1. That the Subject Property 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 estimated to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00). 3. That there now exists and has existed mulriple Housing or Building code violations at the Subject Properry. 4. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s). 5. That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. 6. That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property wluch declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. 7. That this building has been routinely monitored by the Department of Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement, VacandNuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and that the notificarion requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: 1. The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting 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 alterna6ve by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. ORlGINAL . , , 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to demolish and remove this siructure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the Subject Properry pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul I.egislauve Code. 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the Ciry of Saini Paul, all personal property or futures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If all personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. 4. It is further ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Requested by Department of: Adopted by Council: Date O�� Adoption Certified by Counci Secretary By: �.. sy: Fire• ode Enfor Division By �QVW� Form Approved by City Attorney B ,��,� �-� Division of Code Enforcement May 6, 1998 292-7718 �f TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE 03/20/98 I GREEN SHEET � ✓ 9�'-3�a n,o 61588 InM1aVDafs a„��,+� � �lJIVAiiOR1EY� ❑,.��o.. ❑..�,�� r.,rde�ae..msn,m (� ❑ (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS 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, Department of Fue and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is located at 860 Robert Street South. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMITTEE CNIL SERVICE COMMISSION Has this person?rm everwrorked under a contrad for this department7 VES NO Has this D�soNfrm em been a citY empbyee7 YES NO Do� this pe�son/firm P� a sldll not rwrmallYP�sessed bY any curteM cily employee� YES NO Is thia P��m a tarpatetl ventloYt YES NO Why) This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 860 Robert Street South by February 20, 1998, and have failed to comply with those orders. ��, ,DVAN7AGESIFAPPROVED �/�� S��r� �Q�i}� The City will eliminate a nuisance. �� " i,' : � ' fi �,i. MAR 2 7 199� P�AY(3�`� -?�F€GE The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s): These costs will be assessed to the property, collected as a special assessm�nt against-th�-property-taYes: will remain unabated in the City. Tlus building(s) will continue to blight the community. ao,vv� - a i,vw OF TRANSACTION S Nuisance Housing Abatement COST/REVENUEBUIXiETm(CIRCLEONq �VESJ NO ACTNITY NUMBER ' �5�..','s2:�� eic+t�ive.s �j �a.u'� �IAR 2 5 1998 � ��, I� �3�Z REPORT LEGISLATIVE HEARING Date: May 19, 1998 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Bou}�yazd Gerry Strathman Legislative Aearing Officer 1. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 53 Maryland Avenue East. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Heaith is ordered to remove the building. (I,aid overfrom 4-21-98) The Legislative I-Iearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that the vacant building fee is paid and the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 27. 2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 860 Robert Street South. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. (Laid over from 4-21-98) The L,egislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is completed and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of June 10. 3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 17 Congress Street West. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The L,egislative Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 516 Como 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 the 15 day order to remove or repair. 9� 3 �z L.EGISLATIVE HEARING REPORT, 5-19-98 Page 2 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 240 Belvidere Street East. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. - - The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 6. Resolution ordering the owner or remove or repair the building located at 921-927 Selbv Avenue (917 Selbv Avenue. ff the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legisla6ve Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to six months. 9� - 38z MINUTES OF TI-� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MAY 19, 1998 Room 330, City Hall Gerry Strathman, Legislative Aearing Officer STAFF PRFSENT: Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. 53 Marvland Avenue East (Laid over from 421-98) Ed Conley, 329 Summit Avenue, appeared and stated he is currenfly involved with a purchase agreement with the bank. He owns a renovation company which has done about 90 renovations in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. He has a list of items that need to be done. He would like to get the demolition process stopped, close with the bank next week, and post the $2,000 bond. Chuck Votel reported this was laid over in April in hopes that someone would come forward to repair the building. Ed Conley did obtain a code compliance inspection report. Mr. Votel stated he would like the bond to be posted, and the vacant building fee paid. If that is received, Mr. Votel is fine with a 180 days amendment to the resolution. Gerry Strathman recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that the vacant building fee is paid and the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 27. 860 Robert Street South (I,aid over from 4-21-98) Paul Weingarden, Attorney for the Bank of New York as trustee, appeared and stated this property was in foreclosure. The necessary steps were taken to reduce the redemption period from six months down to five weeks. The Bank of New York now owns the property as of April 15. His clienYs service is the Money Store in Tuisa, Oklahoma. The Money Store has looked at the list of deficiencies. Repairs should start next week. The items on the list should be corrected in 30 to 60 days. Most of these items are cosmetic. Chuck Votei reported no repairs can be commenced without building pernuts. Building permits will not be issued until the code compliance and inspection report is done, and the bond has been posted. Gerry Strathman asked when the property could be ready. Paul Weingazden responded a few weeks. Chuck Votel stated he had no probiem with that. Gerry Strathman recommended allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is done and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of June 10. 9� 3�z MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING, 5-19-98 Page 2 of 3 17 Con¢ress Street West Robyn Rasmussen, 15 West Congress Street, appeazed and stated she lives next door to this address. The owner is not here and does not caze about the property. Chuck Votel reported this building was condemned in January 1997. It has been vacant since April 1997. The current property owners are Felix L,opez and Jane Zapata. The daughter of Felix I.opez stated that he dces not plan to rehabilitate the dwelling. There have been four summary abatement notices issued for tall grass and weeds and securing the dwelling. The vacant building fees aze due. The real estate ta�ces aze paid. The cost to repair is $70,000. Robyn Rasmussen stated she was concemed about how the building would be demolished because her properiy is very close to it. Chuck Votel responded his office will give Ms. Rasmussen the name of the contracting company, and she can talk to them about that. She can also talk to Mr. Votel's office. Robyn Rasmussen stated she would not mind if the City made an offer on her house. Then the City would have a nice sized lot for a house and gazage. Gerry Strathman responded he did not think there were any projects going on in that area so the City probably would not do that. Chuck Votel suggested Ms. Rasmussen call the West Side Development Corporation. They may know more about what is going on there. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 516 Como Avenue Chuck Votel reported the owner has not discussed her intentions with his office. There have been four summary abatement notices issued for removing refuse, brush, and debris from yard and securing the points of entry. The vacant building fees aze paid. The real estate tases for 1996 and 1997 aze due. The code compliance inspection has not been applied for. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000, and the estimated cost to demolish is $6,290. Vednita Nelson, owner, appeared and stated two people are interested in buying the property. She told them both about the hearing today. Ms. Nelson said she boarded the property, not the City. This has been a rental property and Ms. Neison does not understand the nuisance part. Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the IS day order to remove or repair citing there is ample justification to initiate demolition of this property. 9� �3�Z NIII�TUTES OF TI� LEGISLATIVE HEARING, 5-19-98 Page 3 of 3 240 Belvidere Street East No one appeared. Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since November 1997. There have been fout summary abatement notices issued to remove refuse and fire debris from the yazd, immediately secure the dwelling, and remove snow and/or ice from the public sidewaik. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze due. The estimated cost to repair is $60,000. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 921-927 Selbv Avenue (917 Selbv Avenue) Chuck Votel reported the current properiy owner owes $21,449.79 in back taxes. This is a commercial building. The Selby Avenue Initiative members have come forwazd and said they would like to prevent the building from being demolished. In the paperwork is a letter by Curt Miller from Planning and Economic Development who writes that they will consider a loan of $90,000 if certain tlungs are done. Liberty State Bank says they will be participants. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to six months. The meeting was ad}ourned at 10:24 a.m. y��3�2 REPORT Date: April 21, 1998 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevazd LEGISLATIVE HEARING Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer Summary abatement appeal for 853 Fourth Street East. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 2. Summary abatement appeal for 1792 Portland Avenue. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 3. Summary abatement appeal for 1645 Ielehart Avenue. (Laid over from April 7, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying Yhe appeal. 4. Summary abatement appeal for 226 East Belvidere Sireet. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 53 Marvland Avenue East. If the owner fails to comply with Yhe resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends laying over to the May 191egislative hearing. 6. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 1291 Rice Street. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 13. �8-3 8z 7. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 780 Chazles Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is done, the $200 vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 6. 8. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 860 Robert Street South. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the buiiding. The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends laying over to the May 19 legislative hearing. 9. Summary abatement appeal for 752 I.aurel Avenue. The Izgislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 98 MINUT'ES OF TI� LEGISLATNE HEARING Apri121, 1998 Room 330, City Iiall Gerry Strathman, I.egislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Roxanna F1ink, Real Estate; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement. Note: All addresses aze laid over to the May 6 City Council meeting except for 1291 Rice Street which is laid over to the May 13 City Council meeting. Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. 752 I.aurel Avenue No one appeared. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. 226 East Belvidere Street (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Guy Willits presented photogaphs. Gloria McGrath, owner, stated she was sick at the time of this assessment. She moved out of the house temporarily when she was in the hospital and stayed with her mother afterwazds. Ms. McGrath stated she let everything go when she was ill. Someone is living in the house now. The yazd is clean. The previous owner installed a fence that should not have been instalied. When the previous tenants left, all the rubbish was left behind. Guy Willits reported that since 1996, eight summary abatements have been issued for refuse, three for vehicles, and three for cleaning. This property has been chazged $200 for excessive inspection costs. Gerry Suathman stated it looks like the owner was properly noufied and the Ciry did tow the vehicle. Gloria McGrath stated she is on complete disability and cannot pay this cost. Her income is enough to pay for just her insurance. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. Roxanna Flink suggested the owner pay the assessment over a five year period with interest. Gloria McGrath stated that would help. 8S3 Fourth Street East (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Russell Spartz, owner, appeazed. D�IINUTES OF TI-� LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF 421-98 Guy Willits presented photographs. I��'- � 8�Z Page 2 Guy Willits reported orders were mailed on June 12, 1997 and posted. Orders were mailed again on July 7, 1997. These orders were for tall grass, weeds and remove refuse. The last compliance check was July 11, 1997. The property was rechecked three times. The Thomas Dale Block Club cut the gass on July 30,1997. Russell Spartz stated the inspector was hazd to deal with. Mr. Spartz thought the neighbor cut the grass because only the top of the driveway was done, which probabiy took only five minutes. Mr. Spartz called the inspector one day about an extension. The inspector told Mr. Spartz he had two days and that was it. This inspector said it was 4:01, he gets off work at 4:00, and then hung up. Mr. Spartz says he now has a mower and tries to take caze of everything whenever he is sent a notice. Gerry Strathman stated the orders were sent on June 12, posted at the property, and again sent on July 7. Russell Spartz stated he never had two weeks to do anything because if it was not done immediately, the inspector did it. Gerry Suathman stated the grass in the picmres did not take just two weeks to grow this tall. Gerry Sirathman recommended denying the appeal. 1645 I¢lehart Avenue (Laid over from April 7, 1998) No one appeazed; Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. 1792 Portland Avenue (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Guy Willits reported the orders were mailed on June 9, 1997 to remove a bus. Compliance date was June 17, 1997. It was rechecked on June 18, 1997. It was not removed. The police removed it on July 20 (however the Summary Abatement History mistakenly reads July 10). William Manley, owner, appeazed and stated tlus was all done without notice to him. Gerry Strathman asked about evidence that the owner was notified. Guy Wiilits showed Mr. Strathman a copy of a letter the owner was sent. William Manley stated he did not receive the letter. Crerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal. All evidence indicates the letter was sent. The documents indicate the owner did receive them. Mr. Strathman stated he cannoY say anything about postal delivery. 53 Marvland Avenue East Robert Moreland appeazed and stated he is interested in buying the property. He found the house on a list of vacant buildings in Saint Paul. The bank is suppose to overnight a package to the real estate agency today about the property, but Mr. Moreland did not receive it. Mr. Moreland would 9�- 38 z MINL7T'ES OF TE� LEGISLATiVE HEARING OF 421-98 like to postpone this issue for about a month. He will bring the building up to code. Page 3 Chuck Votel reported this building has been vacant since September 1997. The current property owners have not discussed their intentions with Mr. Votel's office. The City has had to board the building against trespass. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze due. The cost to repair this building is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $6,275. Foreclosure is cemplete on the properry and the redemption period will be reduced to five weeks beginning March 4, 1998. Mr. Votel feels the building can be rehabbed. It has not been a major pmblem with his office. Robert Moreland stated he is in contact with the mortgage company and has walked through the home. The plumbing, electrical, and central heat have been brought up to code. Gerry Strathman laid over this matter to the May 19 Legislative Hearing. Chuck Votel added that the home cannot be occupied until it is brought up to code. 1291 Rice Street Urvin Olsen representing Advanta Mortgage and Mike DeRosier, Empire Clock at 1295 Rice, both appeazed. Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since August 1997. The cusent owner is Advanta Mortgage and they intent to sell it as is. The City has issued three summary abatement notices for securing it and the gazage, cutting and removing tall grass and weeds, removing refuse. The City has had to boazd the building. The real estate ta�ces aze unpaid. A code compliance inspection was done in April. The cost to repair is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $6,210. Urvin Olsen stated the bank has the property under contract for sale. The City's esumate is very accurate. The price makes it feasible to rehab. The house has nice woodwork and could be an asset to the community. The mortgage company did expedite the foreclosure period. Advanta took care of things as soon as it could. They secured the building. Twelve tons of trash were removed. Mr. Olsen has personally monitored the property on a bi-weekly basis. The home is under contract and is sold. Mike DeRosier stated since the owner has owned it, the property has gone down hill. There is only a single caz gazage there now. Over time, cazs have been pazked all over the backyazd. There is no adequate parking there. A decent garage cannot be built to be faz enough off of the alley. The lot is only 33 feet wide. The gazage is wifihin an inch of Empire Clock's property line. If the house is demolished, Mr. DeRosier is interested in purchasing the lot to get it rezoned for pazking space. Gerry Strathman recommended allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 13. (Urvan Olsen felt, because this is a foreclosure, it would be difficult to provide good title to the owner by May 6.) c I8-3$2 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF 4-21-98 780 Charles Avenue Beth Asmussen, Industry Mortgage, appeared. Page 4 Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since January 1998. Industry Mortgage now owns the property. Tlus has been a problem property for the inspectors. Numerous people have been evicted from the building. The police have been there frequently about people selling drugs. The City has boarded it numerous times. The vacant building fees and real estate ta�es aze unpaid. The cost to repair is $45,000, and the cost to demolish is $5,900. This is a five day order to repair or remove instead of the usual 15 days. Beth Asmussen stated Industry Mortgage is looking for a buyer to make the repairs. They recently became the owner after the foreclosure sale. They aze willing to post a bond. Ms. Asmussen will talk to Industry Mortgage personnel about having someone go to the residence weekly to make sure it remains secure. Gerry Strathman recommended six months to complete rehabilitation on cor,3ition that a code compliance inspection is done, the $200 vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 6. 860 Robert Street South Dennis Dalen, Bank of New York, appeazed. Chuck Votel reported this building was condemned in September 1997. It has been vacant since October 1997. The current owner is Elbert Berg who is willing to authorize Yhe Ciry to remove the building. There have been four summary abatement notices for remove snow and/or ice and secure the building. The Ciry has had to boazd the building against trespass. The real estate taxes aze unpaid. The cost to repair is $35,000, and the cost to demolish is $5,550. Mr. Votel was told the Money Store is doing a five week foreclosure and will own the property May 14, 1998. Someone from the Money Store was going to contact Gerry Strathman. Dennis Dalen stated he has an estimate from a local contractor to do repairs and was told it would be $6,500 to $10,000. The redemp6on period will be up May 14 and he cannot go on the property until that time. Mr. Dalen suggested continuing the hearing for a few months. Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the May 19 I.egislarive Hearing. Dennis Dalen was concerned about an unlawful detainer and court action if it was occupied. Chuck Votel stated the residence is condemned, therefore if it is occupied, the person will be evicted. The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 a.m. DEPARTA�NC OF FIRE AND SAFE'IY SERVICES Timothy K Fulleq Fire ChieJ � Sj �� p-� (J O DIVISION OF PROPERIY CODE ENFORCEMENT Charles Yote7, Program Direc[ar CITY OF SAII�]'f PAUL jJuisance Building Cade Enforcement Norm Coleman, Mayar 555 Ceda> Stree[ Tel.� 612-298-4153 Saint Paul, MN 5�701-?260 Fas: 611-228-3I70 i March 20, 1998 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and � Members of the Ciry Council Department of Fire and Safety Services, VacanUNuisance Bsil�i7as En.`o:cer,zer_t Division has requested the Ciry Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located at: 860 Robert Street South The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows: Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, Apri121, 1998 City Council F3earing -`Vednesday, May 6, 1998 The owners and responsible parties of record are: Name and Last Known Address Interest CoURGi! EieS8asr.h �°�t�t Eibert M. Berg 603 Johnson Street Albert L,ea, MN 56007-2337 The Money Store Minnesota c/o Olson, Usset & Weingarden, PLLP 4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 300 Mpls., MN 55416 Fee Owner Lien Holder Y bf � u � Montgomery Ward Credit Corp. Lien Holder P.O. Box 103055 Roswell, GA 30076 Re: Lien vs. Eibert M. Berg i , � �. 860 Robert Street South March 20, 1998 Page 2 The legal descriprion of this properry is: The North 30 feet of L,ot 15, Auditor's Subdivision of L,ot 6, Bidwell's Addition to West St. Paul Division of Code Enforcement has declared This buiIding(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by I,egislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removing th3s building(s). Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains unabated, the commnnity continues to suffer the blighting influence of this property. It is the recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same manner as taxes. Si rely, �+� s � �� ,}� Reneta Weiss ^ ,�"� Vacant Buildings Supervisor Division of Code Enforcement Department of Fire and Safety Services RW:mI cc: Frank $erg, Building Inspection and Design Rachel Young, City Attorneys Office Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall Dan Pahl, pED-Housing Division Oi-98 3z OR�GINAL Council File # 9 -.382 �\�� Green Sheet # Presented By Referred To Committee: Date WHEREAS, Department of Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement 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 one and one-half, story wood frame structure located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properry" and commonly laiown as 860 Robert Street South. This properry is legally described as follows, to wit: The North 30 feet of Lot 15, Auditor's Subdivision of Lot 6, Bidwell's Addition to West St. Paul WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before December 17, 1997, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Elbert M. Berg, 603 Johnson Street, Albert I.ea, MN 56007-2337; The Money Store Minnesota, c/o Olson, Usset & Weingarden, PLLP, 4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 300, Mpls., MN 55416; Montgomery Ward Credit Corp., P.O. Box 103055, Roswell, GA 30076, Re: Lien vs. Elbert M. Berg; WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul L.egislative Code an order iden�ed as an "Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated January 21, 1998; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WHEREAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by Febrnary 20, 1998; 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 WE3EREAS, this nuisance condition has not been conected and Division of Code Enforcement requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul L,egislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and 9�- 3 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City Council on Tuesday, April 21, 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 Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety 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 structure 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 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 and the testimony and evidence including the action taken by the L.egislarive Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the Subject Properiy at 860 Robert Street South: 1. That the Subject Property 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 estimated to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00). 3. That there now exists and has existed mulriple Housing or Building code violations at the Subject Properry. 4. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to correct the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s). 5. That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. 6. That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property wluch declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. 7. That this building has been routinely monitored by the Department of Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement, VacandNuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and that the notificarion requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: 1. The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting 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 alterna6ve by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. ORlGINAL . , , 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of time the Fire and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to demolish and remove this siructure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the Subject Properry pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul I.egislauve Code. 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the Ciry of Saini Paul, all personal property or futures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If all personal properry is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. 4. It is further ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Requested by Department of: Adopted by Council: Date O�� Adoption Certified by Counci Secretary By: �.. sy: Fire• ode Enfor Division By �QVW� Form Approved by City Attorney B ,��,� �-� Division of Code Enforcement May 6, 1998 292-7718 �f TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE 03/20/98 I GREEN SHEET � ✓ 9�'-3�a n,o 61588 InM1aVDafs a„��,+� � �lJIVAiiOR1EY� ❑,.��o.. ❑..�,�� r.,rde�ae..msn,m (� ❑ (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS 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, Department of Fue and Safety Services, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is located at 860 Robert Street South. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMITTEE CNIL SERVICE COMMISSION Has this person?rm everwrorked under a contrad for this department7 VES NO Has this D�soNfrm em been a citY empbyee7 YES NO Do� this pe�son/firm P� a sldll not rwrmallYP�sessed bY any curteM cily employee� YES NO Is thia P��m a tarpatetl ventloYt YES NO Why) This building(s) is a nuisance building(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 860 Robert Street South by February 20, 1998, and have failed to comply with those orders. ��, ,DVAN7AGESIFAPPROVED �/�� S��r� �Q�i}� The City will eliminate a nuisance. �� " i,' : � ' fi �,i. MAR 2 7 199� P�AY(3�`� -?�F€GE The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s): These costs will be assessed to the property, collected as a special assessm�nt against-th�-property-taYes: will remain unabated in the City. Tlus building(s) will continue to blight the community. ao,vv� - a i,vw OF TRANSACTION S Nuisance Housing Abatement COST/REVENUEBUIXiETm(CIRCLEONq �VESJ NO ACTNITY NUMBER ' �5�..','s2:�� eic+t�ive.s �j �a.u'� �IAR 2 5 1998 � ��, I� �3�Z REPORT LEGISLATIVE HEARING Date: May 19, 1998 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Bou}�yazd Gerry Strathman Legislative Aearing Officer 1. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 53 Maryland Avenue East. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Heaith is ordered to remove the building. (I,aid overfrom 4-21-98) The Legislative I-Iearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that the vacant building fee is paid and the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 27. 2. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 860 Robert Street South. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. (Laid over from 4-21-98) The L,egislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is completed and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of June 10. 3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 17 Congress Street West. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The L,egislative Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 516 Como 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 the 15 day order to remove or repair. 9� 3 �z L.EGISLATIVE HEARING REPORT, 5-19-98 Page 2 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 240 Belvidere Street East. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. - - The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 6. Resolution ordering the owner or remove or repair the building located at 921-927 Selbv Avenue (917 Selbv Avenue. ff the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legisla6ve Hearing Officer recommends amending the order to remove or repair to six months. 9� - 38z MINUTES OF TI-� LEGISLATIVE HEARING MAY 19, 1998 Room 330, City Hall Gerry Strathman, Legislative Aearing Officer STAFF PRFSENT: Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. 53 Marvland Avenue East (Laid over from 421-98) Ed Conley, 329 Summit Avenue, appeared and stated he is currenfly involved with a purchase agreement with the bank. He owns a renovation company which has done about 90 renovations in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. He has a list of items that need to be done. He would like to get the demolition process stopped, close with the bank next week, and post the $2,000 bond. Chuck Votel reported this was laid over in April in hopes that someone would come forward to repair the building. Ed Conley did obtain a code compliance inspection report. Mr. Votel stated he would like the bond to be posted, and the vacant building fee paid. If that is received, Mr. Votel is fine with a 180 days amendment to the resolution. Gerry Strathman recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that the vacant building fee is paid and the $2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 27. 860 Robert Street South (I,aid over from 4-21-98) Paul Weingarden, Attorney for the Bank of New York as trustee, appeared and stated this property was in foreclosure. The necessary steps were taken to reduce the redemption period from six months down to five weeks. The Bank of New York now owns the property as of April 15. His clienYs service is the Money Store in Tuisa, Oklahoma. The Money Store has looked at the list of deficiencies. Repairs should start next week. The items on the list should be corrected in 30 to 60 days. Most of these items are cosmetic. Chuck Votei reported no repairs can be commenced without building pernuts. Building permits will not be issued until the code compliance and inspection report is done, and the bond has been posted. Gerry Strathman asked when the property could be ready. Paul Weingazden responded a few weeks. Chuck Votel stated he had no probiem with that. Gerry Strathman recommended allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is done and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of June 10. 9� 3�z MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING, 5-19-98 Page 2 of 3 17 Con¢ress Street West Robyn Rasmussen, 15 West Congress Street, appeazed and stated she lives next door to this address. The owner is not here and does not caze about the property. Chuck Votel reported this building was condemned in January 1997. It has been vacant since April 1997. The current property owners are Felix L,opez and Jane Zapata. The daughter of Felix I.opez stated that he dces not plan to rehabilitate the dwelling. There have been four summary abatement notices issued for tall grass and weeds and securing the dwelling. The vacant building fees aze due. The real estate ta�ces aze paid. The cost to repair is $70,000. Robyn Rasmussen stated she was concemed about how the building would be demolished because her properiy is very close to it. Chuck Votel responded his office will give Ms. Rasmussen the name of the contracting company, and she can talk to them about that. She can also talk to Mr. Votel's office. Robyn Rasmussen stated she would not mind if the City made an offer on her house. Then the City would have a nice sized lot for a house and gazage. Gerry Strathman responded he did not think there were any projects going on in that area so the City probably would not do that. Chuck Votel suggested Ms. Rasmussen call the West Side Development Corporation. They may know more about what is going on there. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 516 Como Avenue Chuck Votel reported the owner has not discussed her intentions with his office. There have been four summary abatement notices issued for removing refuse, brush, and debris from yard and securing the points of entry. The vacant building fees aze paid. The real estate tases for 1996 and 1997 aze due. The code compliance inspection has not been applied for. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000, and the estimated cost to demolish is $6,290. Vednita Nelson, owner, appeared and stated two people are interested in buying the property. She told them both about the hearing today. Ms. Nelson said she boarded the property, not the City. This has been a rental property and Ms. Neison does not understand the nuisance part. Gerry Strathman recommends approval of the IS day order to remove or repair citing there is ample justification to initiate demolition of this property. 9� �3�Z NIII�TUTES OF TI� LEGISLATIVE HEARING, 5-19-98 Page 3 of 3 240 Belvidere Street East No one appeared. Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since November 1997. There have been fout summary abatement notices issued to remove refuse and fire debris from the yazd, immediately secure the dwelling, and remove snow and/or ice from the public sidewaik. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze due. The estimated cost to repair is $60,000. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to five days. 921-927 Selbv Avenue (917 Selbv Avenue) Chuck Votel reported the current properiy owner owes $21,449.79 in back taxes. This is a commercial building. The Selby Avenue Initiative members have come forwazd and said they would like to prevent the building from being demolished. In the paperwork is a letter by Curt Miller from Planning and Economic Development who writes that they will consider a loan of $90,000 if certain tlungs are done. Liberty State Bank says they will be participants. Gerry Strathman recommends amending the order to remove or repair to six months. The meeting was ad}ourned at 10:24 a.m. y��3�2 REPORT Date: April 21, 1998 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevazd LEGISLATIVE HEARING Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer Summary abatement appeal for 853 Fourth Street East. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 2. Summary abatement appeal for 1792 Portland Avenue. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 3. Summary abatement appeal for 1645 Ielehart Avenue. (Laid over from April 7, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying Yhe appeal. 4. Summary abatement appeal for 226 East Belvidere Sireet. (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 5. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 53 Marvland Avenue East. If the owner fails to comply with Yhe resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legislative Hearing O�cer recommends laying over to the May 191egislative hearing. 6. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 1291 Rice Street. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The Legislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 13. �8-3 8z 7. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 780 Chazles Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the building. The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a code compliance inspection is done, the $200 vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 6. 8. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building located at 860 Robert Street South. If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, Public Health is ordered to remove the buiiding. The I.egislative Hearing Officer recommends laying over to the May 19 legislative hearing. 9. Summary abatement appeal for 752 I.aurel Avenue. The Izgislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal. 98 MINUT'ES OF TI� LEGISLATNE HEARING Apri121, 1998 Room 330, City Iiall Gerry Strathman, I.egislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Roxanna F1ink, Real Estate; Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement. Note: All addresses aze laid over to the May 6 City Council meeting except for 1291 Rice Street which is laid over to the May 13 City Council meeting. Gerry Strathman called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. 752 I.aurel Avenue No one appeared. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. 226 East Belvidere Street (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Guy Willits presented photogaphs. Gloria McGrath, owner, stated she was sick at the time of this assessment. She moved out of the house temporarily when she was in the hospital and stayed with her mother afterwazds. Ms. McGrath stated she let everything go when she was ill. Someone is living in the house now. The yazd is clean. The previous owner installed a fence that should not have been instalied. When the previous tenants left, all the rubbish was left behind. Guy Willits reported that since 1996, eight summary abatements have been issued for refuse, three for vehicles, and three for cleaning. This property has been chazged $200 for excessive inspection costs. Gerry Suathman stated it looks like the owner was properly noufied and the Ciry did tow the vehicle. Gloria McGrath stated she is on complete disability and cannot pay this cost. Her income is enough to pay for just her insurance. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. Roxanna Flink suggested the owner pay the assessment over a five year period with interest. Gloria McGrath stated that would help. 8S3 Fourth Street East (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Russell Spartz, owner, appeazed. D�IINUTES OF TI-� LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF 421-98 Guy Willits presented photographs. I��'- � 8�Z Page 2 Guy Willits reported orders were mailed on June 12, 1997 and posted. Orders were mailed again on July 7, 1997. These orders were for tall grass, weeds and remove refuse. The last compliance check was July 11, 1997. The property was rechecked three times. The Thomas Dale Block Club cut the gass on July 30,1997. Russell Spartz stated the inspector was hazd to deal with. Mr. Spartz thought the neighbor cut the grass because only the top of the driveway was done, which probabiy took only five minutes. Mr. Spartz called the inspector one day about an extension. The inspector told Mr. Spartz he had two days and that was it. This inspector said it was 4:01, he gets off work at 4:00, and then hung up. Mr. Spartz says he now has a mower and tries to take caze of everything whenever he is sent a notice. Gerry Strathman stated the orders were sent on June 12, posted at the property, and again sent on July 7. Russell Spartz stated he never had two weeks to do anything because if it was not done immediately, the inspector did it. Gerry Suathman stated the grass in the picmres did not take just two weeks to grow this tall. Gerry Sirathman recommended denying the appeal. 1645 I¢lehart Avenue (Laid over from April 7, 1998) No one appeazed; Gerry Strathman denied the appeal. 1792 Portland Avenue (Laid over from Apri17, 1998) Guy Willits reported the orders were mailed on June 9, 1997 to remove a bus. Compliance date was June 17, 1997. It was rechecked on June 18, 1997. It was not removed. The police removed it on July 20 (however the Summary Abatement History mistakenly reads July 10). William Manley, owner, appeazed and stated tlus was all done without notice to him. Gerry Strathman asked about evidence that the owner was notified. Guy Wiilits showed Mr. Strathman a copy of a letter the owner was sent. William Manley stated he did not receive the letter. Crerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal. All evidence indicates the letter was sent. The documents indicate the owner did receive them. Mr. Strathman stated he cannoY say anything about postal delivery. 53 Marvland Avenue East Robert Moreland appeazed and stated he is interested in buying the property. He found the house on a list of vacant buildings in Saint Paul. The bank is suppose to overnight a package to the real estate agency today about the property, but Mr. Moreland did not receive it. Mr. Moreland would 9�- 38 z MINL7T'ES OF TE� LEGISLATiVE HEARING OF 421-98 like to postpone this issue for about a month. He will bring the building up to code. Page 3 Chuck Votel reported this building has been vacant since September 1997. The current property owners have not discussed their intentions with Mr. Votel's office. The City has had to board the building against trespass. The vacant building fees and real estate taxes aze due. The cost to repair this building is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $6,275. Foreclosure is cemplete on the properry and the redemption period will be reduced to five weeks beginning March 4, 1998. Mr. Votel feels the building can be rehabbed. It has not been a major pmblem with his office. Robert Moreland stated he is in contact with the mortgage company and has walked through the home. The plumbing, electrical, and central heat have been brought up to code. Gerry Strathman laid over this matter to the May 19 Legislative Hearing. Chuck Votel added that the home cannot be occupied until it is brought up to code. 1291 Rice Street Urvin Olsen representing Advanta Mortgage and Mike DeRosier, Empire Clock at 1295 Rice, both appeazed. Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since August 1997. The cusent owner is Advanta Mortgage and they intent to sell it as is. The City has issued three summary abatement notices for securing it and the gazage, cutting and removing tall grass and weeds, removing refuse. The City has had to boazd the building. The real estate ta�ces aze unpaid. A code compliance inspection was done in April. The cost to repair is $30,000 and the cost to demolish is $6,210. Urvin Olsen stated the bank has the property under contract for sale. The City's esumate is very accurate. The price makes it feasible to rehab. The house has nice woodwork and could be an asset to the community. The mortgage company did expedite the foreclosure period. Advanta took care of things as soon as it could. They secured the building. Twelve tons of trash were removed. Mr. Olsen has personally monitored the property on a bi-weekly basis. The home is under contract and is sold. Mike DeRosier stated since the owner has owned it, the property has gone down hill. There is only a single caz gazage there now. Over time, cazs have been pazked all over the backyazd. There is no adequate parking there. A decent garage cannot be built to be faz enough off of the alley. The lot is only 33 feet wide. The gazage is wifihin an inch of Empire Clock's property line. If the house is demolished, Mr. DeRosier is interested in purchasing the lot to get it rezoned for pazking space. Gerry Strathman recommended allowing the owner six months to complete rehabilitation on condition that a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 13. (Urvan Olsen felt, because this is a foreclosure, it would be difficult to provide good title to the owner by May 6.) c I8-3$2 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATTVE HEARING OF 4-21-98 780 Charles Avenue Beth Asmussen, Industry Mortgage, appeared. Page 4 Chuck Votel reported the building has been vacant since January 1998. Industry Mortgage now owns the property. Tlus has been a problem property for the inspectors. Numerous people have been evicted from the building. The police have been there frequently about people selling drugs. The City has boarded it numerous times. The vacant building fees and real estate ta�es aze unpaid. The cost to repair is $45,000, and the cost to demolish is $5,900. This is a five day order to repair or remove instead of the usual 15 days. Beth Asmussen stated Industry Mortgage is looking for a buyer to make the repairs. They recently became the owner after the foreclosure sale. They aze willing to post a bond. Ms. Asmussen will talk to Industry Mortgage personnel about having someone go to the residence weekly to make sure it remains secure. Gerry Strathman recommended six months to complete rehabilitation on cor,3ition that a code compliance inspection is done, the $200 vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of May 6. 860 Robert Street South Dennis Dalen, Bank of New York, appeazed. Chuck Votel reported this building was condemned in September 1997. It has been vacant since October 1997. The current owner is Elbert Berg who is willing to authorize Yhe Ciry to remove the building. There have been four summary abatement notices for remove snow and/or ice and secure the building. The Ciry has had to boazd the building against trespass. The real estate taxes aze unpaid. The cost to repair is $35,000, and the cost to demolish is $5,550. Mr. Votel was told the Money Store is doing a five week foreclosure and will own the property May 14, 1998. Someone from the Money Store was going to contact Gerry Strathman. Dennis Dalen stated he has an estimate from a local contractor to do repairs and was told it would be $6,500 to $10,000. The redemp6on period will be up May 14 and he cannot go on the property until that time. Mr. Dalen suggested continuing the hearing for a few months. Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the May 19 I.egislarive Hearing. Dennis Dalen was concerned about an unlawful detainer and court action if it was occupied. Chuck Votel stated the residence is condemned, therefore if it is occupied, the person will be evicted. The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 a.m. DEPARTA�NC OF FIRE AND SAFE'IY SERVICES Timothy K Fulleq Fire ChieJ � Sj �� p-� (J O DIVISION OF PROPERIY CODE ENFORCEMENT Charles Yote7, Program Direc[ar CITY OF SAII�]'f PAUL jJuisance Building Cade Enforcement Norm Coleman, Mayar 555 Ceda> Stree[ Tel.� 612-298-4153 Saint Paul, MN 5�701-?260 Fas: 611-228-3I70 i March 20, 1998 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and � Members of the Ciry Council Department of Fire and Safety Services, VacanUNuisance Bsil�i7as En.`o:cer,zer_t Division has requested the Ciry Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located at: 860 Robert Street South The City Council has scheduled the date of these hearings as follows: Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, Apri121, 1998 City Council F3earing -`Vednesday, May 6, 1998 The owners and responsible parties of record are: Name and Last Known Address Interest CoURGi! EieS8asr.h �°�t�t Eibert M. Berg 603 Johnson Street Albert L,ea, MN 56007-2337 The Money Store Minnesota c/o Olson, Usset & Weingarden, PLLP 4500 Park Glen Rd., Ste. 300 Mpls., MN 55416 Fee Owner Lien Holder Y bf � u � Montgomery Ward Credit Corp. Lien Holder P.O. Box 103055 Roswell, GA 30076 Re: Lien vs. Eibert M. Berg i , � �. 860 Robert Street South March 20, 1998 Page 2 The legal descriprion of this properry is: The North 30 feet of L,ot 15, Auditor's Subdivision of L,ot 6, Bidwell's Addition to West St. Paul Division of Code Enforcement has declared This buiIding(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by I,egislative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removing th3s building(s). Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains unabated, the commnnity continues to suffer the blighting influence of this property. It is the recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to either repair, or demolish and remove this building in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same manner as taxes. Si rely, �+� s � �� ,}� Reneta Weiss ^ ,�"� Vacant Buildings Supervisor Division of Code Enforcement Department of Fire and Safety Services RW:mI cc: Frank $erg, Building Inspection and Design Rachel Young, City Attorneys Office Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall Dan Pahl, pED-Housing Division Oi-98