Legislative Hearings

15 West Kellogg Blvd. City of Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN 55102 Meeting Minutes - Action Only Legislative Hearings Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer Mai Vang, Hearing Coordinator Jean Birkholz, Hearing Secretary legislativehearings@ci.stpaul.mn.us 651-266-8585 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 9:00 AM Room 330 City Hall & Court House 9:00 a.m. Hearings Special Tax Assessments 1 RLH TA 16-543 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 847 HUDSON ROAD. (File No. VB1703, Assessment No. 178803) (To be referred back to Legislative Hearing on February 7, 2017) Sponsors: Prince Marcia Moermond: -the VB fee before the Council. -it was referred back to Legislative Hearings -REC approval of the entire VB fee -the anniversary date for the VB is September 28 -owner is not going to be able to finish the building until well after the half way mark through the year -in those cases, recommend approval for the entire fee -will divide over 5 years -she had a phone converation with Aaron Rubenstein, Historic St Paul, who is helping out on this case -he said he will speak with Fred Niaz and Fred would call to Mai Vang of any concerns he may have with this NOTE: Mr. Fred Niaz called after the hearing and wanted to reschedule. LHO denied his request to reschedule because it wouldn't change her recommendation. Approve the assessment & spread over 5 years. Referred to the City Council due back on 2/15/2017 2 RLH TA 16-509 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 258 MARIA AVENUE. (File No. VB1703, Assessment No. 178803) Sponsors: Prince Staff Report: Joe Yannarelly: City of Saint Paul Page 1 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 -On February 3rd, a mechanical permit was issued; electrical permit issued on Jan 23; bldg permit issued Jan 6, 2017 Marcia Moermond: -asks if she attached anything to the file -for the VB fee on this one, were there any notes from Jim Seeger Mai Vang: -it's not on this one Joe Yanarelly: -there is a new code compliance inspection on October 31, 2016 -asked when we visited this -several permits issued: bldg and electical pulled in January; then mechanical on Feb 3 -on 10/18, it says Seeger only but they ended up doing the whole code compliance Ms. Mermond: -responded that it was in Legislative Hearings on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 -he bought the building and the anniversary date is July 30th and we are well past the half way mark -we did a 4-month layover, given a total of 6 months now and not looking at the finals on those permits -REC approval of the entire VB fee and spread payments over 5 years. Referred to the City Council due back on 2/15/2017 3 RLH TA 17-30 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 979 AGATE STREET (File No. J1706A, Assessment No. 178505). Sponsors: Brendmoen Approve the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 4 RLH TA 17-29 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 984 BEECH STREET (File No. J1706A, Assessment No. 178505). Sponsors: Prince Approve; no show. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 5 RLH TA 17-43 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 1034 BEECH STREET. (File No. J1705G, Assessment No. 178704) Sponsors: Prince Approve and spread over 3 years. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 6 RLH TA 17-38 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 1618 BEECH STREET. (File No. J1705G, Assessment No. 178704) City of Saint Paul Page 2 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 Sponsors: Prince Approve; no show. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 7 RLH TA 17-42 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 996 HUBBARD AVENUE. (File No. J1704P, Assessment No. 178403) Sponsors: Thao Delete the assessment; waiver on file. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 8 RLH TA 17-32 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 916 IGLEHART AVENUE. (File No. J1704E, Assessment No. 178303) Sponsors: Thao To be laid over to July 19, 2017 City Council and if no same or similar violation(s), will delete the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 9 RLH TA 17-35 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 407 LAFOND AVENUE. (File No. J1704P, Assessment No. 178403) Sponsors: Thao Delete the assessment; waiver on file. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 10 RLH TA 17-33 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 240 MORTON STREET EAST. (File No. J1706A, Assessment No. 178505) Sponsors: Noecker Delete the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 11 RLH TA 17-31 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 898 SIXTH STREET EAST (File No. J1704E, Assessment No. 178303). Sponsors: Prince Approve; no show. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 12 RLH TA 17-34 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 35 STEVENS STREET EAST. (File No. J1704E, Assessment No. 178803) Sponsors: Noecker City of Saint Paul Page 3 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 To be laid over to September 6 City Council Public Hearing and if no same or similar violation(s), will delete the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 13 RLH TA 17-36 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 2300 TERRITORIAL ROAD. (File No. J1705P, Assessment No. 178404) Sponsors: Stark Delete the assessment; waiver on file. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 14 RLH TA 17-39 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 612 WELLS STREET. (File No. J1705B, Assessment No. 178104) Sponsors: Bostrom Approve the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 15 RLH TA 17-46 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 880 WHEELER STREET NORTH. (File No. J1705B, Assessment No. 178104) Sponsors: Stark Approve; no show. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 16 RLH TA 17-45 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 2030 & 2060 WILSON AVENUE. (File No. J1705P, Assessment No. 178404) Sponsors: Prince No one appeared. Ms. Moermond: -Inspector Seeley will send an email to Mai Vang when she gets a signed copy the graffiti waiver; at that point, we can go ahead and modify the resolution to delete the assessment because there's a waiver on file Will delete the assessment provided that the owner sends in a graffiti waiver. 2/8/17: waiver received; delete the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 17 RLH TA 17-37 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 903 YORK AVENUE. (File No. J1706A, Assessment No. 178505) Sponsors: Bostrom Delete the assessment. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 City of Saint Paul Page 4 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 18 RLH TA 17-48 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Property at 1669 MANTON AVENUE. (File No. J1706A, Assessment No. 178505) Sponsors: Bostrom Approve and spread over 5 years. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 Special Tax Assessments-Rolls 19 RLH AR 17-10 Ratifying the assessments for Excessive Use of Inspection or Abatement services billed during August 15 to September 23, 2016. (File No. J1704E, Assessment No. 178303) Sponsors: Stark Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 20 RLH AR 17-11 Ratifying the assessments for Boarding and/or Securing services during October 2016. (File No. J1705B, Assessment No. 178104) Sponsors: Stark Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 21 RLH AR 17-12 Ratifying the assessments for Property Clean Up services during November 3 to 29, 2016. (File No. J1706A, Assessment No. 178505) Sponsors: Stark Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 22 RLH AR 17-13 Ratifying the assessments for Trash Hauling services during November 1 to 23, 2016. (File No. J1705G, Assessment No. 178704) Sponsors: Stark Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 11:00 a.m. Hearings Staff Reports 23 SR 17-15 Extension Request for Appeal of Ken Hamblin, to a Summary Abatement Order at 889 EUCLID STREET. Sponsors: Prince City of Saint Paul Page 5 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 Kenneth P. Hamblin, owner, appeared. Ms. Moermond: -the tire situation; I have Jan photos -the height has gone done from a 6 ft level to a 3 ft level Inspector Paula Seeley: -there's not so many tires anymore as refrigerators, junk, etc. -there is a fence and we are no longer allowed to take pictures over fences Mr. Hamblin: -everything else is frozen in (skis, tires, etc.) -I invited Inspector Hoffman to go in with me to take the pictures Jan 19, 2017 -it's OK with me to continue to allow the inspector in & to work with him; I want to co-operate fully; this is a team effort; I inherited it & I want it cleaned-up, too -I am not there most of the time; I'm there off & on; I was staying with my girlfriend; we have a place together; now that this has happened, I've been at 889 Euclid quite a bit; I do get mail there -I'd like to have Insp Hoffman's phone number; (desk number: 651/266-1947) Ms. Seeley: -priorities for this clean-up: refrigerators; collapsed tent; any garbage -there's a lot of stuff; don't know where to begin Ms. Moermond: -my concern: -the refrigerator, freezer, stoves, tarps are suffocation hazards and they need to be gone by the end of Fri Feb 17, 2017 Mr. Hamblin: -much of that was dealt with but not all but some tires are filled with ice & are frozen to the ground -what my dad had tarped is now frozen but the yard doesn't look any more like the pictures you are looking at; progress has been made -we need a pick, maybe a jack hammer to get some of that out -the car port was taken down & the debris has been taken away; the other car port has been started to be taken down but the footings are frozen Ms. Moermond: -I'm sympathetic to that situation -remove as many tires as possible by next Fri, as well Mr. Hamblin: -we've been doing that as it's been thawing -one of the vehicles has been junked; one was cut up; the other ones are all registered collectors & they are parked on an appropriate parking surface; I remember when the my dad had the siding, the roof & the whole driveway professionally surfaced with asphalt from front to back Ms. Moermond: -this will go to City Council Public Hearing on Feb 15, 2016 1) grant to February 17, 2017 for the removal of the closed door(s) related items (fridge, freezer), tires, tarps, stove, and other hazardous materials; 2) grant to April 1, 2017 to reduce the volume (as measured on February 17, 2017) of the excessive accumulation in half; and 3) grant to June 1, 2017 for the abatement of the remaining City of Saint Paul Page 6 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 items See RLH SAO 17-9. Received and Filed 11:30 a.m. Hearings Orders To Vacate, Condemnations and Revocations 24 RLH VO 17-2 Appeal of Bruce Magnuson to a Notice of Condemnation as Unfit for Human Habitation and Order to Vacate at 1271 SEMINARY AVENUE. Sponsors: Stark Rescheduled per owner's request. Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 2/14/2017 1:30 p.m. Hearings Fire Certificates of Occupancy 25 RLH FCO 17-12 Appeal of Kay Lovness, Chatsworth Properties, LLC, to a Fire Inspection Correction Notice at 1125 CHATSWORTH STREET NORTH. Sponsors: Brendmoen Ron Carrubba, friend, appeared on behalf of Kay Lovness, Chatsworth Properties LLC. Ms. Moermond: -we were looking for a Work Plan today (submitted), dated Feb 1, 2017 (attached) -looks like everything has been corrected except for #2 referring to the retaining wall opposite the building at the entrance to the basement apartment and #3 referring to the damaged & cracked window sills & ledges of the building; she is not contesting, only asking to be able to do it when the weather is warmer Inspector Leanna Shaff: -did not received a copy of Ms. Lovness' letter (was given a document) Mr. Carrubba: -Ms. Lovness took 1-step out of her house door onto the concrete stoop this morning, slipped & broke her ankle -along with Kay's letter, she also sent color photos of the stairwell & a copy of the bldg permit Ms. Shaff: -referring to Ms. Lovness' letter, she read a portion: "The tenant will use the other egress door from her apartment until the wall is replaced." Where is that door from her apartment - what room(s) does she need to go thru to reach that egress door? Mr. Carrubba: -from the apartment, she goes into the main part of the very large basement that has City of Saint Paul Page 7 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 a set of stairs about 10 steps up to 2 doors, one that goes directly outside & one goes to the garage; the water heater & boiler are in the very large basement room that she needs to egress thru Ms. Moermond: -clarifying: she needs to pass thru the utility space to get to the emergency exit Ms. Shaff: -the Fire Code is specific about not exiting thru a place of greater danger (space where the water heater & boiler are located); if that space were closed - a 1-hour room, it would be different; a utility room needs to be under 100 sq.ft. Mr. Carrubba: -that space could be closed, if need be -we are trying to come up with a solution because the Fire inspection report stated that they thought that the stairwell was a hazard because the concrete block was loose; and given that it's been cold for an extended period of time, the soil is frozen & you can't really dig it out; we could remove some block....... Ms. Shaff: -that wouldn't work -with the freeze-thaw, things aren't great & are getting worse -if it were closely monitored, we might be able to allow it's use for the time being -I feel better about that than exiting thru the utility room Ms. Moermond: -I do, too -we will monitor the existing retaining wall Mr. Carrubba: -the retaining will be repaired/replaced in the spring; the permit has been pulled; engineering was required and approved (the photo is stamped) -all the rest of the items are done -the next inspection is Feb 14 Ms. Moermond: -will recommend granting to Jul 1, 2017 for #2-retaining wall and until Sep 1, 2017 for #3 Grant to July 1, 2017 for Item 2 (retaining wall) and grant to September 1, 2017 for the window sills in Item 3. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 26 RLH FCO 17-17 Appeal of David Daly to a Fire Inspection Correction Notice at 1415 CLEVELAND AVENUE NORTH. Sponsors: Stark No one appeared. Ms. Moermond: -City Council Public Hearing on Mar 1, 2017 -compliance date of Apr 7, 2017 Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 City of Saint Paul Page 8 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 27 RLH FCO 17-20 Appeal of Scott Kramer to a Correction Notice-Complaint Inspection at 306 GEORGE STREET WEST. Sponsors: Noecker Deny the appeal; no show. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 28 RLH FCO 17-19 Appeal of Stephen Buck for Project for Pride to a Fire Certificate of Occupancy Approval with Corrections at 1068 RAYMOND AVENUE. Sponsors: Stark Stephen Buck, Project for Pride, appeared. Fire Supervisor Leanna Shaff: -Fire Certificate of Occupancy that had been approved with Corrections -this is the correction first noted on the initial inspection on Jul 1, 2016 by Fire Inspector Laura Huseby -everything else was done -in Unit 302, the egress window doesn't open freely or easily, which can be an issue Ms. Moermond: -you said on your appeal, "Window work fine; we're scheduling all windows to be replaced in bldg in 2017." Mr. Buck: -I was personally there for only one of her inspections; I wasn't there for the initial inspection but it's my understanding that she never, personally, tried the window(s); then, she asked the tenant if they thought the windows were working fine; we had window people out to repair the windows - lubricate them; they work fine; in a subsequent inspection, the tenant said that the windows were not working fine -it is our opinion & the opinion of the window people that the windows are working fine -I took Videos on the way over here showing me opening the windows with one hand and holding the camera with the other hand (3 bedrooms in Unit 302) Ms. Shaff & Ms. Moermond: -noticed that one of the windows did not go all the way up; it appeared to be sticking & you could hear it catch, too; it sounds like it's loose in it's slots Ms. Shaff: -an egress window in a bedroom has to open fully; it can't catch; we can't afford to have it not open completely -typically, we, as inspectors do not open the windows ourselves; we have the tenant, owner or manager do it Ms. Moermond: -so, we have one window that will need to be replaced early Mr. Buck: -the problem is that we are going to re-frame the windows and make them smaller and we need to redo the siding so that the windows are flashed properly so that we don't have leaking Ms. Moermond: City of Saint Paul Page 9 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 -is there a way to repair it now? Mr. Buck: -we've had the window people out twice and they didn't see any problem with it; could we have an inspector look at it one more time? -at this point, I'd have to put in a window that may not be the replacement window Ms. Shaff: -the other alternative is to not allow that room as a bedroom Mr. Buck: -when I was there, I heard the clicking but it didn't impede the window did going up or down at all; there was no difficulty in moving the window; the window faces south -I do understand that the window has to work Ms. Shaff: -I'd rather an inspector just open them all - check them -I'll have Inspector Huseby go back out within the next 3 weeks to check them Ms. Moermond: -Ms. Shaff will let me Know on Mar 7 the results of Ms. Huseby inspection -City Council Public Hearing is Mar 15, 2017 Inspector will go out to see if the window in question opens fully. If not, owner has until April 1, 2017 to repair or replace the window. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/15/2017 29 RLH FCO 17-18 Appeal of Stephen D. Farrell to a Re-Inspection Fire Certificate of Occupancy with Deficiencies at 1990 SUBURBAN AVENUE. Sponsors: Prince Grant to April 15, 2017 to have all vacant unit spaces broom clean, noting uncertified portion may not be used until they are certified; if owner want to change the use of the unit space(s), he will need to get approval from the building official; grant to March 1, 2017 for all sanitation related items. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2015 Staff Reports 30 RLH FCO 17-2 Appeal of Leonard Wistrcill to a Re-Inspection Fire Certificate of Occupancy with Deficiencies at 714 MINNEHAHA AVENUE WEST. Sponsors: Thao Staff Report Supervisor Leanna Shaff: -we don't have a Staff Report because the owner....let me read the email: Inspector Mike Cassidy tried to gain access after last appeal process; property owner would not allow me access; talked to him again last week and he stated that he was in a nursing home for transitional care Ms. Moermond: -we made this a Category 1 Vacant Building at the last LH City of Saint Paul Page 10 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 -I asked for a staff report to follow-up; looks like Fire Inspections tried to do the follow-up but were told, "No;" -this isn't the owner's home though, is it? Ms. Shaff: -the owner lives right next door Ms. Moermond: -I'm trying to figure out if the logical thing to do is to have Fire follow-up with Orders or to transfer it to Code Enforcement Ms. Shaff: -Code Enforcement would be great; its' a VB Ms. Moermond: -it's a Cat 1 VB; that's the problem; it doesn't have major code violations Supervisor Matt Dornfeld, Vacant Buildings: -I'm not showing that it was made a VB at any time, ever Ms. Moermond: -714 Minnehaha Ave W is a single-family home -let's send out a Code Enforcement inspector and have him write exterior Orders on it Ms. Shaff: -is this a VB? Ms. Moermond: -no; not unless the Code Enf Inspector says it has major code violations; otherwise, we just have empty minor violations and that doesn't justify the VB Program; a simply transfer to code, I think, right? Ms. Shaff: -OK; I'll send it back to the inspector -no; it's not code because our system doesn't allow for that; it's either Vacant or it's not; so we can send it over to VB and if they want to open up a file............... Mr. Dornfeld: -if it's not bad, I can make it a 1 -it doesn't ring a bill with me -what I have in the record - it hasn't been in the Program Ms. Moermond: -take a look at it Ms. Shaff: -we'll send it over & recommend a 1 Ms. Moermond: Recommend denial of the appeal. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 2:30 p.m. Hearings City of Saint Paul Page 11 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 Vacant Building Registrations 31 RLH VBR 17-6 Appeal of Chris Rueb, PA, o/b/o John F. Nieszner, to a Vacant Building Registration Requirement at 854 EDMUND AVENUE. Sponsors: Thao Deny the appeal but waive the VB fee for 90 days. Owner will need to order a code compliance inspection. In the interim, the interior of the property needs to be cleaned before inspections can take place. Chris Rueb, PA, appeared o/b/o John F. Nieszner, his uncle. Supervisor Matt Dornfeld, Vacant Buildings: -the Dept of Safety & Inspections (DSI) received a referral from SPPD on Dec 19, 2016, who recommended that we perform a welfare check of the interior of the house; they were called to the house on Dec 17, 2016 and documented that the interior of the property was in a gross & unsanitary state; due to that referral, Code Enforcement Inspector Matt Kaisersatt inspection on Dec 20, 2016 and could not gain entry to the interior of the property; however, due to the referral & photos from SPPD, and after consultation with Manager Steve Magner, Inspector Kaisersatt Condemned the property without gaining access on Dec 20, 2016 -on Dec 22, 2016, Inspector Kaisersatt's supervisor, Lisa Martin, spoke with Mr. Rueb on the telephone; they planned to meet at the property on Dec 28, 2016 at 10 am -on Dec 28, 2016, they actually did meet at the property; the condition of the property was confirmed; Ms. Martin notes that there was excessive hoarding; no working bathroom; inoperable smoke detectors; and basically stated that the property was uninspectable at the time of her inspection -Ms. Martin transferred the file to the Vacant Building Program (me) & on Dec 28, 2016, I entered it as a Category 2 VB file & documented that the house was vacant & secured -since then, I have had a couple of phone conversations with Mr. Rueb, advising him on the Code Compliance Inspection process, getting the place cleaned-out, dumpsters, etc. -today, we are here to discuss the annual VB fee, etc. Mr. Rueb: -I was the person who call ed 911 that day; I want to thank the City of Saint Paul for doing everything that they've done -my uncle had left an odd voice mail on a brother's phone (he's estranged from his family but occassionally, he'll reach out to a brother); the voice mail said that a tsumani was coming (the snow-nami in Dec) & he was out of food; he needed some soup; he had fallen; his medicines were all off; it was very urgent that he gets a call; very urgent that he gets some soup; it's a crical situation; they called me because they knew I had been looking for him since around Thanksgiving; I was trying to touch base because it's not unusual for my uncle to stay completely out of touch for long periods of time; I heard enough in the voice mail that I called him diligently for an hour & he didn't pick up his phone; so, I was worried & called 911 and they sent out the paramedics for a welfare check; he answered his door; they checked him out - he has some medical issues; the officer called me from the site; he had walked thru the house and said that it was clear of crazy stuff but it was a mess; my uncle refused to go to the emergency room with the paramedics; he was lucid & talking; I got there later & it was the first time that I had been in the house for about 25 years ago; it was pretty shocking; there's paper everywhere: boxes, bags, plastic bags, newspapers,... he was out of it - very disturbed that people were in his house; this is like the 3r or 4th City of Saint Paul Page 12 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 person who's ever been in his house Ms. Moermond: -you are learning hoarding behavior Mr. Rueb: -I brought him more food and told him not to go anywhere - the tsumani is coming; he is not a risk taker; he is more of a survivalist; military trained, boy scout, eagle scout; he never would have gone out in a blizzard -on the 21st, I drove by the house to see where he's at and he was not at the house but there's a sign on the door: NOTICE TO VACATE; I didn't know that was coming but not too surprised -I immediately called Mr. Kaisersatt, who was heading out on vacation so, he gave me to Mr. Magner, who was so happy that I called because they were worried - it was before Christmas; it was bad weather; he didn't want to throw someone out into the snow bank; he wanted to get him safe; I explained who I was and he extended this Notice to Vacate Order until the 28th & I set up an appointment with Ms. Lisa Martin and a woman from Ramsey Co, who also came that day to go thru the house; meanwhile, I didn't know where my uncle was but he had told me that a neighbor of his had a place where he parked his car so, I went back into the alley and his car, a Honda was gone; there are no Hondas in the alley; so, he left but where did he go? -a couple days go by and he called me, sort of; he had gotten to the air force base near the airport; he got himself a save place to hunker down; he brought a back pack (there's a Country Inn there for only air force people); they saw him being a little out of sorts & were worried about him so they asked him if there was someone that they could call, which led to him to calling me; I was happy to know where he was; he was trying to get into the VA Hospital; then, I had to tell him about the sign on his house; he has not been there at his house since the morning of the 20th; since then, he went to the VA Hospital for several weeks: nutrition; issues with his medicines; etc; then he was in a transitional care facility for 21 days in St. Paul -getting a little stronger; and just recently, Feb 1, I got him into a place in Highland, with a monthly lease, where he has some stability -after I met with Ms. Martin right before Jan 1, I went back to the house to do some things and the neighbor was already shoveling for him; he has lived there for 50 years & knows John; he's the one who provided the parking space in the back; he kind of remembered when the car left & was worried about John; I got the mail forwarded; I saw the 2 new signs on the door: 1) keep out; and 2) call Matt & Steve to ask questions; & I got the letter which had been sent to John; really, I don't know if I'm here to appeal anything because what's happening is accurate but I'm looking for some leniency - can we pull those signs off for a little while; I know it sounds like everything in the house is just junk but I've been trying to figure out what kind of accounts he has; his taxes from last year; precious momentos from his mother; it's hard to do that...... Mr. Magner said there would be time to look thru that but go and thru the appeal process -I did some of the smaller items on Ms. Martin's list: put batteries in the smoke detectors, cleaned up some things; got some trip hazards out of the way; moved some extension cords, etc. -there are and never have been pets in the house; there are no signs of mice -it's going to sound crazy but he actually was very much of a sterilized health freak; I did question "gross unsanitary" in the letter because the house is gross but there is not any unsanitary stuff; he's wired very differently; it's hard to describe -he has about 3 more weeks of physical therapy; he walks with a cane; he hasn't been in his house yet -I was able to find some important documents; he's a homeless vet but I was able to get enough information to file with the county; he has too much net worth to get anything from the county, which is good but I had to do that for the transitional care City of Saint Paul Page 13 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 place because they run like a business; they don't just take anybody even though it's Dr's orders; finally, there was someone at Episcopal Church, who took a chance on him; she was a former vet; she came out to talk to him and told him that he could come to her transitional care, which really helped a lot; he was there there for 20 days and then on the 31st, I got him into The Wellington in Highland; I'm feeling OK about his safety - he has some healing to do -I need some time with the house when the weather is a little better; no ice storms, etc. so that I can get the house cleaned-out & organized to get these inspections done & do some repair -unfortunately, to put out why I'm asking to have the signs removed, I was away for a week on business when he was in transitional care & when I came back on Jan 29, I went to his house & the screen door was open; the front door was open; it's Noon; I carefully went around back & someone had broken into his house & ransacked the place; I backed away and called the non-emergency police; Officer Anthony Brown and another officer came over - went in with their guns drawn; they spent about 20 minutes in the house; so, I already had one break-in, which makes it a little spooky to go over there each time Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 32 RLH VBR 17-8 Appeal of Marcus A Brown to a Vacant Building Registration Requirement at 642 FULLER AVENUE. Sponsors: Thao Marcus A. Brown appeared. Fire Supervisor Leanna Shaff: -this was for the fire.. Supervisor Matt Dornfeld, Vacant Buildings: -we are looking for an extension -I can handle this; I will call Mr. Brown in the morning; he had to leave to pick up his daughter Ms. Moermond: -automatically, there will be a 90-day waiver that goes into place because this is a fire situation and there isn't a requirement, currently, for a Code Compliance Inspection Report because of the fire -Matt: if, when you talk with Mr. Brown, he has additional concerns that aren't addressed, we can send it back into hearing in a couple of weeks Waive the VB fee for 90 days. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 33 RLH VBR 17-9 Appeal of Jay Nord, Singular Development, Inc., to a Vacant Building Registration Renewal Notice at 906 JESSAMINE STREET EAST. Sponsors: Bostrom Waive the VB fee for 90 days. Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 34 RLH VBR 17-14 Appeal of Wamoua Lee to a Vacant Building Registration Fee Warning Letter at 957 MENDOTA STREET. City of Saint Paul Page 14 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 Sponsors: Bostrom Wamoua Lee, tax owner, appeared. Supervisor Matt Dornfeld, Vacant Buildings: -this is a Category 2 Vacant Bldg - opened Jan 19, 2010 -Sale Review was approved by Reid Soley on Jun 17, 2016 to Wamoua Lee and Sheng H. Lee -all permits are currently on file -VB fee is past due Ms. Moermond: -will recommend granting a 90-day VB fee waiver Referred to the City Council due back on 3/1/2017 35 RLH VBR 17-13 Appeal of Aychoeum Tea to a Vacant Building Registration Requirement at 657 SHERBURNE AVENUE. Sponsors: Thao Aychoeun Tea, owner, appeared. Fire Supervisor Leanna Shaff: -this started out as a Fire Certificate of Occupancy inspection and wound up as a Notice of Condemnation-Unfit for Habitation -photos in file -wants to put some of Inspectors Huseby & Neis' notes on the record -Insp Huseby arrived on 12-15-16 about 15 minutes early for the inspection & watched some of the goings-on at the house; at the time of the inspection, she went up & knocked but no one came to the door; looking at the exterior of the house, she talked to her supervisor, A.J. Neis & posted a Revoked-Occupy with access or Vacate on 12-30-16 -gained access 12-30 -this has been converted to an illegal duplex; large amounts of dog feces throughout the interior & exterior of the home; holes appear to have been cut into the floor on the east side of the home to allow for the doggie entrance that was walled-off; you can see it from the side of the house; the dogs are not the tenants' dogs; the dogs belong to the owner of the property -home is in need of substantial clean-up & repair; we haven't gotten any compliance -literally, even in the kenneled area, the dogs were lying, walking in their own feces -it was not good Ms. Moermond: -I have your address being in Minneapolis (?) -who lives on Sherburne? Ms. Tea: -5761 33rd Ave S, Unit 11, Mpls - my sister's place; now, I stay there to care of my sister -my son lives on Sherburne -the dogs belong to me -inside is all done, except for painting; I am just asking for 1 more week to finish cleaning up the outside Ms. Moermond: -it sounds like this is being used as a 2-unit house City of Saint Paul Page 15 Legislative Hearings Meeting Minutes - Action Only February 7, 2017 Ms. Tea: -a lady stays in the front room -I would like to live in the house with my dogs; I take care of my sister in Mpls now Ms. Shaff: -there's been construction & deconstruction & holes into exterior walls, etc. -A.J. Neis was out there with Inspector Huseby Ms. Moermond: -I would like to have this property inspected next week Ms. Shaff: -Mr. Neis might be available next Mon afternoon Ms. Moermond: -Ms. Tea will make herself available for an appointment with Inspector A.J. Neis on Mon, Feb 13 in the afternoon -all items will be in compliance at that time or the recommendation to the City Council on Wed, Feb 15, 2017 will be to deny your appeal -verified Ms. Tea's cell phone number as 763/267-5511 -Insp Neis will contact you tomorrow morning and tell you when on Mon afternoon -either the work is done completely or the property must be Vacated no later than Feb 17, 2017 Supervisor Neis is to inspect the building on Monday, February 13 for compliance. If not, the appeal is denied and the building remains a VB 2 with a vacate date of February 17, 2017. Referred to the City Council due back on 2/15/2017 City of Saint Paul Page 16