Minutes 6-18-2008
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE
SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 3:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – 5:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Note: All City Council meetings are on the City of Saint Paul’s website. Meetings can be viewed in their entirety or
a specific item can be viewed. Visit our website at www.stpaul.gov/council and click on Watch the Live
Webcast.
The meeting was called to order by President Lantry at 3:32 p.m.
Present – 6 – Bostrom, Carter, Harris, Helgen, Lantry, Stark
Absent – 1 – Thune (excused)
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 - 9)
NOTE: ALL ITEMS LISTED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION. THERE
WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED BY A
COUNCILMEMBER, THAT ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND
CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the Consent Agenda
Adopted Yeas – 6 Nays – 0
COMMUNICATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS
1. Claims of Katie A. Dimmel, Steven J. Grilz, Kristopher C. Lee, Larry G. Longard,
Jane Moeckel, Loretta A. Nuessle, Rose C. Petry, Jose C. Ruiz, Kenneth C. Salzberg, and
Xcel Energy, Inc.
Referred to Risk Management
2. Appeal of Ryan N. Grubba to a decision of the St. Paul Legislative Hearing Officer and
the City Council regarding property at 1383 Hamline Avenue North.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
3. Letter from the Department of Public Works/Technical Services announcing a public
hearing before the City Council on July 2, 2008 to consider the petition of the City of
Saint Paul to vacate a north/south half-lot parcel formerly used as an alley in the block
bounded by Jessamine Avenue, Geranium Avenue, Mendota Street, and Forest Street in
order to facilitate titlework clean up for St. Casimir’s Church. [File No. 09-2008]
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
4. Letters from the Department of Safety and Inspections declaring 847 Agate Street, 719
Case Avenue, 1058 5th Street East, 112 Jenks Avenue, 809 Park Street, 66 Winnipeg
Avenue, and 900 York Avenue as nuisance properties, and setting date of Legislative
Hearings for July 22, 2008 and City Council public hearings for August 20, 2008.
FOR ACTION
5. Resolution – 08-679 – Allowing a 2003 Cultural Star Loan for Capital Improvements to
be used for costs associated with organizational development efforts.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
6. Resolution – 08-636 – Requesting that the Saint Paul Planning Commission investigate
the merits and provide subsequent recommendations regarding amending the Zoning
Overlay to reflect the fact that there will be light rail stations at Hamline, Western, and
Victoria Avenues.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
7. Resolution – 08-637 – Authorizing payment in the amount of $20,000 to the Saint Paul
Port Authority to act as the City’s fiscal agent in the expenditure of the money to be used
for the purpose of reimbursing the services of a public relations consultant who will
effectively use the convention coverage to attract new tourism, business, and residents to
Saint Paul.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
8. Resolution – 08-638 – Approving funding for the 2008 Neighborhood STAR small loan
and grant program.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
9. Resolution – 08-639 – Indemnifying the City of Roseville for the City of St. Paul’s use of
their facilities for the purpose of staging Star of the North games on June 21-22, 2008.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
FOR DISCUSSION
10. Resolution – 08-414 – Ordering the owner to remove the building(s) at 22 Douglas Street
within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Public hearing held, closed, and laid
over from May 7)
At the request of Councilmember Thune, Council President Lantry moved to lay over the
resolution three weeks.
Laid over to July 9 Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
11. Resolution – 08-616 – Authorizing and directing the Administration to amend the City’s
contract with Eureka Recycling in order to add collection of household organics to the
Citywide Recycling Program beginning in 2009. (Laid over from June 11)
Council President Lantry stated a request was received to lay over this item to July 2.
Laid over to July 2 Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
ORDINANCES
NOTE: AN ORDINANCE IS A CITY LAW ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL. IT IS READ AT FOUR
SEPARATE COUNCIL MEETINGS AND BECOMES EFFECTIVE AFTER PASSAGE BY THE
COUNCIL AND 30 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION IN THE SAINT PAUL LEGAL LEDGER.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ORDINANCES ARE HELD AT THE THIRD READING.
12. Final Adoption – 08-552 – An ordinance amending Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code clarifying the definition of vacant buildings and amending the regulation
of fire damaged vacant buildings. (Substitute introduced June 11)
Councilmember Bostrom moved approval of the ordinance.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
13. Final Adoption – 07-1194 – An ordinance amending Chapter 33 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code, Building Code and Inspection, as it relates to Certificate of Code
Compliance. (Substitute introduced and amended June 4)
Councilmember Bostrom referred to Line 29 of the ordinance stating it should read
Chapter 189.l. He moved to amend the ordinance to reflect that change and to lay over to
June 25 for final adoption.
Amended and laid over to June 25 for final adoption
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
14. Second Reading – 08-631 – An ordinance amending Chapter 376 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code to deregulate taxicab fares. (Substitute introduced June 11)
Laid over to July 2 for Third Reading/Public Hearing
15. First Reading – 08-640 – An ordinance amending Chapter 65 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code pertaining to zoning code regulations for sober houses.
Laid over to June 25 for Second Reading
Council President Lantry moved suspension of the rules to introduce the following resolution:
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
Resolution - 08-658 - Encouraging Johnson Brothers Liquor Company and Teamsters
Local 792 to return to the bargaining table, negotiate in good faith, and reach a fair
agreement that gets the 70 truck drivers and warehouse workers of Teamsters Local 792
back to work and keep Johnson Brothers Liquor Company and the City of Saint Paul
moving forward.
Councilmember Lantry moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Councilmember Carter introduced Libby Canton who will be an intern with his office over the
summer months.
The meeting was recessed at 4:30 p.m., and reconvened for public hearings at 5:33 p.m.
Present – 5 – Carter, Harris, Helgen, Lantry, Stark
Absent – 2 – Bostrom (arrived later in the meeting), Thune (excused)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(Councilmember Thune was excused from the meeting, and Councilmember Bostrom arrived
after Item 17).
16. Third Reading – 08-567 – An ordinance amending Chapter 310.18 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code to establish a license for animal day care and animal boarding.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Helgen moved to close the public
hearing and requested a staff report on this item on June 25.
Laid over to June 25 for Final Adoption Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
17. Third Reading – 08-568 – An ordinance amending Chapter 310.18 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code to establish a fee for animal day care and boarding.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Helgen moved to close the public
hearing Yeas – 5 Nays – 0
Laid over to June 25 for Final Adoption
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
18. Third Reading - 08-607 – An ordinance allowing special permits for extended hours for
service of alcoholic beverages in licensed establishments. (Substitute introduced June 11)
Councilmember Helgen referred to Line 34 of the ordinance pertaining to the cost of
permit fees and asked if an application could be created that would allow reduced fees if a
management plan were submitted.
Rachel Tierney, Assistant City Attorney, said such an application could be created;
however, a definition of management plan would need to be determined along with an
evaluation plan. She reminded Council of the short time line they are under for
approving this ordinance to be in effect with the approaching Republican National
Convention. Upon question of Councilmember Carter, Ms. Tierney stated fees were set
through discussion with the Mayor and Councilmember Thune.
Bob Kessler, Director of the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI), said the main
goal of this ordinance is that bars that do not apply for the special permit will not be
allowed extended hours. He said the fee arrived is for additional costs of DSI and Police
staff.
Upon question of Councilmember Stark, Ms. Tierney said the State caps the maximum
penalty at $2,000 and the Matrix at $500.
Councilmember Harris asked what the permit fee was in the City of Minneapolis, and Ms.
Tierney said she would find out and let Councilmembers know. Councilmember Harris
said he believes St. Paul’s fee is too high; however, if it were changed today, the public
hearing would have to be laid over which would create the possibility of no one getting
the permit.
Council President Lantry spoke in support of the permit fee and that she will not support
a change.
Helgen said in order to open the permit fee to more bars, he moved that the fee be
reduced to $1,000.
(Councilmember Bostrom arrived)
Harris referred to the timeframe the City is under and said this discussion should have
taken place weeks ago. He spoke in support of the motion.
Roll call on the motion to reduce the permit fee to $1,000.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 2 (Lantry/Stark)
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
Councilmember Carter moved reconsideration of the motion to reduce the permit fee.
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Councilmember Helgen withdrew his motion to reduce the permit fee.
Bostrom said what is in front of Council today is the very best option. There will be
unintended consequences and the police have very limited resources.
Bill Collins with the Lowry Theatre and owner of Camp Bar appeared and spoke in
opposition to the ordinance. He said the current fee is unbelievably prohibited and he
believes its sole purpose is to be punitive.
Chad Kulas with the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce spoke in support of the
ordinance.
Councilmember Stark moved to close the public hearing. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Laid over to June 25 for Final Adoption
19. Third Reading – 08-608 – An ordinance allowing special permits for extended hours for
service of 3.2 percent malt liquor in licensed establishments. (Substitute introduced June
11)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Stark moved to close the public hearing.
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Laid over to June 25 for Final Adoption
20. Resolution – 08-641 – Approving the petition of Riverview Economic Development
Association to vacate a portion of the corner of Congress and Cesar Chavez Streets in
order to consolidate property for redevelopment. [File No. 13-2007]
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
21. Resolution – 08-642 – Approving the petition of Terry and Ray Peterson to vacate the
right-of-way abutting the backyards of properties at 2205 and 2217 Scudder Avenue in
order to consolidate property to include retaining walls.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Stark moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
22. Resolution – 08-643 – Amending the budget in the Department of Safety and
Inspections/Property Code Enforcement by adding $900,000 from the Invest Saint Paul
program for building demolitions.
Upon question of Councilmember Helgen, Bob Kessler, Director of the Department of
Safety and Inspection (DSI), said they are pursuing building demolition in the City.
Council President Lantry noted this resolution is reflective of changes made by the
Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public
hearing and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
23. Resolution – 08-644 – Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of
Safety and Inspections by adding $187,474 for painting and pigeon proofing of the
skyway system.
Upon request of Councilmember Harris, Bob Kessler provided descriptions of
improvements made in the skyway and noted the Securian skyway will be painted in 2009
and that the Victory skyway will be assessed at seven percent.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
24. Resolution – 08-645 – Amending the financing and spending plans in the Division of
Parks and Recreation by adding $572,420 from a Metropolitan Council Land Acquisition
Opportunity Grant, and approving the purchase of sale agreement between Trust for
Public Land and the City.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
25. Resolution – 08-646 – Approving a budget amendment in the amount of $25,000 in the
Department of Planning and Economic Development for the Metro Paint-A-Thon
program.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved to close the public hearing
and approval of the resolution.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 8
26. Resolution – 08-647 – Establishing “No Parking 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday-Friday,
Except by Permit, Area 21” on both sides of Goodrich Avenue from Cleveland Avenue to
Kenneth Street.
Linda Snyder, 2026 Goodrich, appeared and spoke in opposition to permit parking in this
location. She said students at the University of St. Thomas park in front of her home and
she feels the City and St. Thomas should meet and come up with a broader plan other
than make residents apply for parking permits. This may resolve the parking issue in
front of her home, but the reality is that people will just go one more block and park in
front of someone else's home and the problem will not be solved.
Terry Hill, 2056 Goodrich, spoke in support of the resolution and said although parking
has been bad for at least ten years, the past two have gotten worse.
Bob Hennessey, 2048 Goodrich, spoke in support of the resolution and said he is the one
who started the petition. Bus routes have changed so now people are parking in front of
his house all day while they walk a block to catch the bus to work.
Tom Kipper, 2049 Goodrich, spoke in support of the resolution and said with customers
from Davannis Pizza as well as people attending Adult Ed classes at St. Thomas, parking
is continuous in front of his home.
Councilmember Stark moved to close the public hearing. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Upon request of Councilmember Stark, Linda Murphy, Department of Public Works-
Traffic, appeared and said the required 75% of property owners signed the petition. Their
policy is to do one block at a time vs. half blocks. Ms. Murphy also referred to other
restrictions in areas, such as two hour parking and no parking from 8 am to 10 pm.
Councilmember Stark spoke in support of the resolution, noting that parking policy is a
strong interest of his. He also noted that St. Thomas will have a new parking ramp within
the next year.
Stark moved approval of the resolution.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
27. Public hearing to consider the application of Sherman Associates, Whitall Townhomes,
LLC c/o Sherman Associates, for a Preliminary and Final Plat for Whitall townhomes in
order to create 18 residential parcels and two outlots at Whitall and Wells Streets, east of
Edgerton Street.
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 9
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public
hearing and to grant the application.
Motion of Intent - Application granted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris left and returned later in the meeting.
28. Update on 931 Marshall Avenue. (C.F. 06-937 adopted by Council on 10/25/06)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, said originally the Council granted 180
days for completion of the project, and that DSI extended the bond to August 18, 2008.
She recommended that the Council grant until August 18 for completion of the project
and if it is not completed by that time, that a $10,000 bond be posted.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Motion of Intent - Extension granted until August 18, 2008 for completion of project and,
if not completed by that date, a $10,000 bond be posted, per the recommendation of the
Legislative Hearing Officer. Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
29. Resolution – 08-539 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 874
Aurora Avenue within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. [Public hearing
continued from May 21] (Legislative Hearing Officer's recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, stated all conditions have not be met, but
the attorney representing the property owner has requested a one week layover which she
recommended provided she obtains signed contract agreements by the close of business
on June 23.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to lay over to June 25 per
the recommendation by the Hearing Officer.
Laid over to June 25 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
30. Resolution – 08-417 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 60
George Street East within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. [Public hearing
continued from May 21] (Legislative Hearing Officer’s recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, said she is in receipt of a purchase
agreement and closing schedule, and she recommended this item be laid over to the July
8, 2008 Legislative Hearing and the public hearing before the City Council continued to
August 6, 2008.
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 10
No one appeared in opposition.
Laid over to the July 8 Legislative Hearings and public hearing continued to the August 6
City Council meeting, per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer
Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
31. Resolution – 08-486 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 1583
York Avenue within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. [Public hearing
continued from May 7] (Legislative Hearing Officer’s recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, said this was a no-show at the
Legislative Hearing but she has been informed that the property is in the process of being
donated to NENDC. Because of this, she recommended the resolution be referred to the
June 24, 2008 Legislative Hearing with the City Council public hearing continued to July
2, 2008.
Councilmember Bostrom moved approval of the Hearing Officer's recommendation.
Laid over to the June 24 Legislative Hearings and public hearing continued to the July 2
City Council meeting per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer.
Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris returned to the meeting.
32. Resolution – 08-648 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 1004
Grotto Street North within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative
Hearing Officer's recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, said all but a small matter have been
resolved pertaining to standard operating procedures which she expects to have by the
end of business on this date and, if not, she recommended this item be reconsidered at the
June 25 Council meeting.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Helgen moved approval per the
recommendation of the Hearing Officer. He requested an update half-way through the
180 day period.
Adopted as amended (remove or repair within 180 days), per the recommendation of the
Legislative Hearing Officer. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
33. Resolution – 08-649 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 1849
Nevada Avenue East within one hundred-eighty (180) days from adoption of resolution.
(Legislative Hearing Officer recommends approval)
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 11
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public
hearing and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
34. Resolution – 08-650 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 242-244
Nugent Street within thirty (30) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative Hearing
Officer recommends approval)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
35. Resolution – 08-651 – Ordering the owner to remove the building(s) at 990 Reaney
Avenue within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative Hearing Officer
recommends approval)
No one appeared in opposition; Council President Lantry moved to close the public
hearing and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
36. Resolution – 08-652 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 97
Sycamore Street West within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative
Hearing Officer's recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, said no one appeared on this item at the
Legislative Hearing and that Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) staff have
indicated this property has HPC significance.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Helgen moved to close the public
hearing and to amend the resolution to remove or repair the building within 30 days.
Adopted as amended (remove or repair within 30 days)
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
37. Resolution – 08-653 – Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 982
Woodbridge Street within thirty (30) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative
Hearing Officer recommends approval)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Helgen moved to close the public
hearing and approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 12
38. Resolution – 08-654 – In the matter of the assessment of benefits, cost, and expenses for
towing abandoned vehicles from private property at 1649 Cottage Avenue East during
October 2007 [J0707V2]. [Laid over from May 21] (Legislative Hearing Officer
recommends approving the assessment and spreading the payments over three (3) years)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public
hearing and approval.
Adopted as amended (per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer)
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
39. Resolution Ratifying Assessment – 08-655 – In the matter of the assessment of benefits,
cost, and expenses for summary abatement for the excessive consumption of inspection
services for property code violations billed from September 9 to October 8, 2007 at 279
Forbes Avenue. [J0708E1] (Laid over from June 4) (Legislative Hearing Officer’s
recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, recommended the tax assessment be
deleted.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approval as amended.
Adopted as amended (per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer)
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
40. Resolution Ratifying Assessment – 08-656 – In the matter of the assessment of benefits,
cost, and expenses for towing abandoned vehicles from private property at 655 Blair
Avenue during October 2007 [J0707V1], and towing abandoned vehicles from private
property at 868 Albemarle Street during November 2007 [J0707V3]. (Legislative Hearing
Officer recommends the following:
868 Albemarle Street (J0707V3) - approve the assessment and spread the payments over
three (3) years; and
655 Blair Avenue (J0707V1) – approve the assessment.)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approval.
Adopted as amended (per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer)
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 13
41. Resolution Ratifying Assessment – 08-657 – In the matter of the assessment of benefits,
cost, and expenses for summary abatements (graffiti removal) on private properties from
March 5 to April 9, 2008 [J0805P]; demolition of vacant building at 1185 Payne Avenue
during March 2008 [J0805C]; summary abatements (property clean-up) on private
properties from March 31 to April 15, 2008 [J0807A]; weekly garbage hauling services
from April 2-9, 2008 [J0807G]; boarding up vacant buildings during December 2007
[J0710B]; and removal of diseased elm trees from private properties during the winter
season of March 2008 [0803T]. (Legislative Hearing Officer recommends the following:
898 Albemarle Street (J0807A) - delete the assessment;
1132 Albemarle Street (J0807A) - approve the assessment;
412 Arbor Street (J0807A) - delete the assessment;
1793 Clear Avenue (J0807A) - approve the assessment;
1354 Edgerton Street (J0807A) - approve the assessment;
971 Fremont Avenue (J0805P) – delete the assessment;
562 Galtier Street (J0807A) - delete the assessment;
1783 Maryland Avenue East (J0807A) - recommendation is forthcoming; approve the
assessment;
1827 Maryland Avenue East (J0807A) - reduce the assessment from a total of $586 to a
total of $225 $75;
1827 Maryland Avenue East (J0807G) - delete the assessment;
1185 Payne Avenue (J0805C) - approve the assessment;
1858 Reaney Avenue (J0807A) - approve the assessment;
1274 Sargent Avenue (J0807A) - approve the assessment;
1274 Sargent Avenue (J0807G) - approve the assessment;
474 Sherburne Avenue (J0710B) - recommendation is forthcoming; approve the
assessment;
1734 Sims Avenue (J0807A) - approve the assessment; reduce the assessment from a
total of $492 to $200;
291 Topping Street (J0803T) - approve the assessment;
1007 Wakefield Avenue (J0805P) - delete the assessment;
887 Watson Avenue (J0807A) - approve the assessment; and
887 Watson Avenue (J0710B) - approve the assessment)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, presented a staff report and
recommendations pertaining to property at 1734 Sims Avenue.
Watau Lee and Janell Vang, 1734 Sims Avenue, appeared in opposition to the assessment
against their property. They stated items were removed from their deck by the City
without prior notice, and if they have to pay the assessment they want items removed
returned to them.
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 14
Council President Lantry said items removed have been disposed of and, therefore, will
not be returned. Marcia Moermond stated orders were sent to the occupants of both units
and she did not receive returned mail on this address. After some discussion, Lantry
requested Ms. Moermond meet with the property owners and give them guidance so this
situation does not occur again.
Ms. Moermond gave a staff report on property at 1827 Maryland Avenue and
recommended the assessment be reduced from $586 to $225.
Max McKee, property owner appeared. When he received notice, he immediately
notified his tenants. His tenants told him that the trash was in the neighbor's yard and he
said the video taken by City staff clearly indicates that. McKee said there is a canoe rack
on his property and below that was a spare tire. He said the assessment billed to his
property of $586 is incorrect and too high for the removal of one tire.
Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public hearing. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Upon question of Lantry pertaining to 1827 Maryland Avenue, Moermond said it's correct
that only one tire was removed from the property and there is a tire disposal fee. The
neighbor had an extreme amount of trash and was not notified.
Councilmember Bostrom moved to amend the resolution by reducing the assessment to
$75.00 for 827 Maryland Avenue and reducing the assessment at 1734 Sims to $200.00.
Adopted as amended. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
42. Appeal of Robert Spoerner to a Summary Abatement Order and Vehicle Abatement
Order for property at 635 Sherburne Avenue. (Legislative Hearing Officer recommends
denying the appeal on the Summary Abatement Order and granting the appeal on the
Vehicle Abatement Order)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, presented a staff report.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approve the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer.
Appeal denied on the Summary Abatement Order; Appeal granted on the Vehicle
Abatement Order, per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer
Yeas – 6 Nays – 0
43. Appeal of Bernard Hilliard to a Certificate of Occupancy Condemnation for property at
554 Van Buren Avenue. (Legislative Hearing Officer recommends denying the appeal
and granting an extension to June 30, 2008)
June 18, 2008 City Council Summary Minutes Page 15
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Carter moved to close the public hearing
and approve the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer.
Appeal denied and extension granted to June 30, 2008 (per the recommendation of the
Legislative Hearing Officer) Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
44. Appeal of Brian Radmann to a Condemnation and Order to Vacate for property at 1356
Hewitt Avenue. (Legislative Hearing Officer’s recommendation is forthcoming)
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer, presented a staff report. As no plans
were submitted by the property owner, she recommended the appeal be denied.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Stark moved to close the public hearing
and deny the appeal.
Appeal denied (per the recommendation of the Legislative Hearing Officer)
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Councilmember Carter moved to adjourn the meeting. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
ADJOURNED AT 7:15 P.M.
ATTEST:
_______________________ ___________________________
Mary Erickson Kathy Lantry, Council President
Assistant Council Secretary
Submitted by: ___September 3, 2008________
Pattie Kelley Minutes approved by Council