15 West Kellogg Blvd.  
Saint Paul, MN 55102  
City of Saint Paul  
Minutes - Final  
Legislative Hearings  
Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer  
Mai Vang, Hearing Coordinator  
Joanna Zimny, Executive Assistant  
legislativehearings@ci.stpaul.mn.us  
651-266-8585  
Tuesday, September 24, 2024  
9:00 AM  
Room 330 City Hall & Court House/Remote  
9:00 a.m. Hearings  
Remove/Repair Orders  
RLH RR 24-34  
1
Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 674  
MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST within fifteen (15) days after the November  
6, 2024, City Council Public Hearing.  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH October 8, 2024 at 10 am (requested by Property rep) for update on  
foreclosure status. PD and CCIR must be applied for before November 6 CPH.  
Kibong Fondungallah, attorney o/b/o lender Loan Care, LLC, appeared via phone  
Moermond: are you appearing on behalf of Guidance Residential LLC or Loan Care  
LLC?  
Fondungallah: Loan Care.  
Moermond: where are we at in the foreclosure process?  
Fondungallah: still in process, it was actually scheduled for today but we needed one  
more item. It was postponed. The goal is to get the sale completed and reduce  
redemption period so the lender can take ownership faster and would be able to  
perform what needs to be done.  
Moermond: we’d really want you to be doing that so we can keep moving with this file.  
Right now, it has been declared a nuisance building. The Council isn’t historically  
predisposed to help lenders through this. That’s just background. [Moermond gives  
background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Joe Yannarelly: the building is a two story, wood frame,  
duplex on a lot of 5,009 square feet. The property was condemned by Fire Certificate  
of Occupancy on April 13, 2023 due to a collapsed basement wall. The property was  
referred to Vacant Buildings with files opened on April 14, 2023. The current property  
owner is Rayalen M. Hassan, per AMANDA and Ramsey County Property records. On  
July 10, 2024, an inspection of the building was conducted, a list of deficiencies which  
constitute a nuisance condition was developed and photographs were taken. An Order  
to Abate a Nuisance Building was posted on July 22, 2024, with a compliance date of  
August 21, 2024. As of this date, the property remains in a condition which comprises  
a nuisance as defined by the legislative code. Taxation has placed an estimated  
market value of $25,000 on the land and $168,400 on the building. Real estate taxes  
are current. The vacant building registration fees were paid by assessment on May 2,  
2024. As of September 23, 2024, a Code Compliance Inspection has not been done.  
As of September 23, 2024, the $5,000 performance deposit has not been posted.  
There have been four summary abatement notices since 2023. There have been six  
work orders issued for: garbage/rubbish, boarding/securing and tall grass/weeds. Code  
Enforcement Officers estimate the cost to repair this structure exceeds $75,000. The  
estimated cost to demolish exceeds $30,000.  
Moermond: it looks like the fire department was at the house April 13 and they found  
the basement wall collapsed and sent it to inspections and based on that it was  
condemned as unsafe. Normally what we look for is clean title, obviously. We need a  
Code Compliance Inspection, demonstration of financial capacity. Where are you folks  
at?  
Fondungallah: so far the lender is looking at the fact it would cost more to rehab so  
they will probably want to demolish. That is the last time we spoke. They’re trying to  
get the necessary approvals from Freddie Mac to be able to do that.  
Moermond: has there been a contractor out to review and give estimated cost for  
rehab?  
Fondungallah: that’s the next step. I spoke with Joe and we talked about some of the  
requirements and the process. We need a licensed contractor to go assess and give  
them an estimate on what is needed.  
Moermond: there is a chance the assessment would lead to a decision that the rehab  
may be better, is that correct?  
Fondungallah: there is a chance. They are weighing the costs, if it costs way more to  
do the rehab then they’d do the demo.  
Moermond: then what I will look for is Freddie Mac will end up concluding the  
foreclosure almost regardless?  
Fondungallah: yes.  
Moermond: the City will want that Code Compliance Inspection to be conducted. Your  
contract can then refer to for what is required to be reoccupied and should help inform  
the bid you’d get. I’d also look for that $5,000 Performance Deposit be posted. If you  
choose to not rehab, that is returnable, all we need is a written request for its return.  
Those two things I’d like to use to create a placeholder to use to continue discussion  
on this file. It sounds like you’re moving forward, especially if you expedite the  
redemption period. That’s typically 5 weeks from when the judge hears it. You said the  
sheriff’s sale was today, but it was rescheduled? Do you have a date for that yet?  
Fondungallah: no new date yet. The last time I checked they were still processing the  
postponement. I can send you that information.  
Moermond: it isn’t crucial to know now, I was just curious on status. Let’s talk again in  
2 weeks, which is still before the Council Public Hearing November 6. It won’t stop you  
from having a contractor do a walkthrough and ballpark a bid. There’s also a difference  
in doing a rehab to bring to minimum Code Compliance versus a rehab with high end  
details. It just needs a countertop; it doesn’t need to be quartz or granite.  
Yannarelly: it has been broken into a few times.  
Moermond: most recently an August 13 Summary Abatement Order to mow the lawn. It  
looks like you have Guardian Asset Management as your REO and maybe they want  
to turn it up in terms of monitoring it. We’ll reach out between 9 and 10 on October 8.  
Fondungallah: I have a 9 am hearing, so could we maybe do 10 or 10:30? Later in the  
morning so I make sure I am done. It should be pretty quick hearing.  
Moermond: we can do 10 am.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 10/8/2024  
10:00 a.m. Hearings  
Making Finding on Substantial Nuisance Abatements  
2
RLH RR 24-36  
Fourth Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for  
939 CHARLES AVENUE in Council File RLH RR 24-6.  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
If CC Certificate issued by October 16, nuisance is abated and full PD can be  
refunded. If not completed, forfeit $2,500 and continue CPH to November 6, 2024. If  
still not completed, forfeit additional $2,500 and CPH to November 20, and continue  
until project is complete.  
Lorie Miller, owner, appeared via phone  
Moermond: calling about 939 Charles. We’re doing a check in at the 180-day mark.  
This file has been going for three and a half years.  
Miller: I must have missed the email.  
Yannarelly: building inspector hasn’t been out since February 23, where he said its  
90% complete. It has been quiet whenever we’ve been out, but no issues at the  
property.  
Moermond: what is going on?  
Miller: I apologize, I’m a bit behind on emails. I started doing online school with my  
kindergartener. We’re pretty much done. The person I subbed out the work to  
disappeared, so I’ve been doing it by myself. I’m pretty much done except for a garage  
install. I’ll try to get Zane out there to get it wrapped up.  
Moermond: we’re in a space where I need consequences for not having completion.  
You have $10,000 Performance Deposit posted; your Council Public Hearing is  
October 16. If you are done by then, I will recommend the file is closed and you can  
get your $10,000 back. If you aren’t, I’ll ask the Council to forfeit $2,500, continue the  
case 2 weeks, another $2,500 forfeit then if not done, and so on. I want you to get this  
thing done. [Moermond confirms email address]  
Miller: it is the right address, but I’m missing emails because I get so much junk. I’ll  
get that fixed.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/16/2024  
3
RLH RR 24-39  
Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 195  
GOODRICH AVENUE in Council File RLH RR 23-63.  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
Grant additional 180 days to rehab and continue $5,000 PD.  
David Marks, rehabber/purchaser, appeared  
Moermond: Mr. Zane says you are 50% complete as of last week.  
Yannarelly: never a problem over there. Looks great on the outside.  
Marks: we’ve decided to make it our home, so we’re doing significant improvements.  
Quite a bit of work going on.  
Moermond: looks like you have photos?  
Marks: I do. Landscaping is done, sidewalks are done. It has been graded. Cement  
has been removed. Siding is removed and been painted. We’re certainly progressing.  
We have some additional improvements besides what we were originally doing. It is  
150 years old.  
Moermond: wonderful, wonderful. Tell me about the plans and the money. Dramatic  
change in plans since they’ve expanded, which is great.  
Marks: I have a formal set of plans; we’re adding two dormers. The original plan was to  
do a kitchen within a kitchen, exterior walls didn’t work, so we took that off and do a  
new foundation, including digging into limestone to get a crawl space. I do have a  
timeline for the remaining plans and expenses and proof of financing.  
Moermond: mid-April would be six months. You have your plans going through  
February.  
Marks: I’m hoping for six months in case the things I am planning on the exterior can’t  
get done still this fall. Retraining wall, a bit of re-grading, some siding remaining to be  
done.  
Moermond: 180 takes you to mid-April, and then it is hoping the spring and thaw  
comes out. Sounds like you’d be close at that point, if you aren’t done. I’m comfortable  
recommending the Council grant 180 days to complete the rehab. We’ll talk again in  
April and if you’re close to the line we’ll try and accommodate to get you across the  
line. Depending on the nature they could issue a Code Compliance certificate with  
corrections left.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/16/2024  
RLH RR 24-42  
4
Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 1262  
MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST in Council File RLH RR 24-2.  
Johnson  
Sponsors:  
The nuisance is abated and the matter resolved.  
James Irving appeared via phone  
Moermond: I got an email from staff you have your building inspection at 11:30 today.  
Your Council Public Hearing is tomorrow. That was in the letter you got. I need to give  
the Council a recommendation on your property, you have $5,000 posted right now. I  
have no percentage of completion. I really need that to have my recommendation  
together. I’ll give you background, which is if you are at or over 50% mark then the  
$5,000 is automatically continued. If you aren’t, then we talk about options and  
process. I’ll have to hear from Clint Zane and find out what his assessment is this  
afternoon and based on that come up with a recommendation. We can send you an  
email, you may want to pencil that 3:30 Council Public Hearing on the calendar. If you  
can’t come in person you have to sign up by noon today.  
Irving: I’ll meet Mr. Zane with our contractors today. As long as we’re 50% complete,  
the Performance Deposit is carried over? Is that arbitrary?  
Moermond: no, its in chapter 33 of the legislative code at the 180-day mark. You need  
both the Performance Deposit and the grant of time. It would require possibly updating  
the work plan and demonstrating finances. 60% we’d need that info. If you are at 95%  
that wouldn’t make sense.  
Irving: I totally understand. I’ll meet Mr. Zane here soon and we’ll have an update today.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 9/25/2024  
5
RLH RR 24-37  
Second Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered  
for 401 ROSE AVENUE EAST in Council File RLH RR 24-11.  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
Grant an additional 180 days to rehab and continue the original $5,000 PD on condition  
an additional $5,000 PD is posted and approval of updated work plan/schedule.  
Jay Mitchell, contractor, appeared via phone  
Moermond: we’ve been at this one for a while now. I want to get a sense of where  
things are at. I have a 50% number from Clint Zane from March. Then still at 50%  
August 2. Where are things at? I know you have other projects going on.  
Mitchell: we just have the finals left. We’re finishing mudding and taping, then the  
flooring. Then outlets, grates for furnace. The finishes for the electrical. The doors are  
there, but everything is one site. I could tell you about break-ins but it won’t change  
where we are at.  
Moermond: looking at permits, we have an expired plumbing permit that was issued  
February 12, 2024. They cut it off at 180 days in plumbing. You’ll need to reach out to  
Department of Safety & Inspections to get a new plumbing permit. You could ask if  
they are willing to renew, I don’t know what their position would be. The building permit  
doesn’t have any inspections, so that’s a little confusing considering we’ve had two  
making-finding hearings that gave percentages.  
Mitchell: Clint’s been out twice. There’s not a lot for him to inspect until the final.  
Moermond: I think he can do inspections and you’ll want a rough-in, in case of  
corrections. I do see on the plumbing there was one inspection and it shows Inspector  
Zellmer has two things to follow up with on the finals.  
Mitchell: those are on the gas line to the water heater, so he checks that on the final,  
which I believe is typical.  
Moermond: I think so too. And the permit expired in August. You’re at 50% and I don’t  
want to forfeit the Performance Deposit but you’re in a space where I’m considering  
asking for more Performance Deposit posted to inspire completion. Your Council  
Public Hearing is 3 weeks out, October 16. Finishing up before then?  
Mitchell: it would be tight. I could have some trades finaled by then.  
Moermond: not surprising. You’re probably looking at 2 or 3 months to finish?  
Mitchell: yes.  
Moermond: I’ll need a revised work plan updated from the March plan that was  
approved. I think because for two times in a row we’re at 50%, I’ll ask for another  
$5,000 Performance Deposit and then I’ll ask the Council to grant 180 days again.  
Mitchell: any way to do $2,500 instead of $5,000?  
Moermond: no. We do them in $5,000 increments.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/16/2024  
RLH RR 24-40  
6
Third Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for  
346 SHERBURNE AVENUE in Council File RLH RR 24-4.  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH October 8, 2024 at 10 am (unable to reach PO). Current  
recommendation is original $5,000 PD be forfeit, new $5,000 PD posted and need  
updated work plan/schedule and financing and affidavit.  
Tried calling at 11:01 am: unable to leave a Voicemail (mailbox full).  
Tried calling at 11:05 am: unable to leave a Voicemail (mailbox full)  
Moermond: we’ve tried twice to call Mr. Waletski. This was originally opened in  
December of 2022. 180 days given in January of 2023. This is the third time it has  
been here for a making-finding, so a year and a half. The Building Inspector made a  
finding of 50% complete. Due to the low percentages to date, and we have $10,000 in  
Performance Deposit posted my proposal to Council will be we need to see an updated  
scope of work, update financing, $5,000 forfeiture of Performance Deposit and require  
an additional $5,000 be posted.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 10/8/2024  
RLH RR 24-38  
7
Second Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered  
for 678 SNELLING AVENUE NORTH in Council File RLH RR 24-3.  
Jalali  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH October 8, 2024 at 10 am for update on status of rehab. LHO to speak  
to CAO re: "partial" C of O.  
Lisa Kugler, Kugler consulting, appeared via phone  
Moermond: are we calling Mr. Gelgelu as well?  
Kugler: the last communication I had was to ask whether we needed to come since  
we’re expecting our Certificate in the next couple of weeks. If he doesn’t answer you’re  
stuck with me.  
Voicemail left for Gelgelu at 10:40 am: this is Marcia Moermond from St. Paul City  
Council calling you about 678 N Snelling, and we have Ms. Kugler on the line. We’ll  
continue and send a follow up letter to both of you.  
Kugler: Clint sent an email that he was just there and it was 90% with a Certificate of  
Occupancy planned for October 2. I sent an email asking if you still needed us to  
come to the City Council, and never got a response.  
Moermond: what he wanted to do, Nathan Bruhn the assisted building official, thought  
it could be converted to a standard rehab and wanted you out of the Vacant Building  
program. Under chapter 33 of the legislative code, he cannot do that. That was my  
reply he sent right after Clint’s email. It does require Council to clear the file,  
Department of Safety & Inspections can’t do that. Where do we go from here is the  
question.  
Moermond: I know you’re close to having what you can done, but you’re also in the  
process of marketing for tenants for the space in addition to preparing space for  
AEDS.  
Kugler: that is correct.  
Moermond: they are going to struggle to issue the Certificate of Occupancy until there  
is proposed occupation of the space. Assembly, grocery store—  
Kugler: right, we have the site plan permit from MN Dept of Health, for the grocery  
store. They’ll come back after the Certificate of Occupancy. AEDS is planning to move  
in at the end of October. The other tenants probably in November. None of the rest of  
the tenants require any additional permits, other than the Certificate of Occupancy.  
One wrinkle is Xcel couldn’t get out to install the new gas meter until October 10th.  
The Certificate of Occupancy is delayed until the following week, I believe. They were  
also talking about a temporary of Certificate of Occupancy pending installation of  
permanent gas. Last day of contractor work is scheduled to be October 10th.  
Moermond: your Council Public Hearing is October 16. Sounds like you’ll have better  
information by then. I’d like to talk to you October 8 and get a sense of where things  
are at. I won’t be pursuing any updated scope of work, you’re so close, and finances  
were squared aware at the beginning. We leave those behind, the Performance  
Deposit can be refunded as soon as the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.  
I do want to talk to the City Attorney about a partial Certificate of Occupancy, but this  
was a building declared a nuisance, so we’d need a Certificate of Occupancy for the  
whole building. What any expectations there are or what that may look like. Open  
questions that may be relevant for the next couple of months. I can have that  
information on the 8th and we can talk about that.  
Kugler: I don’t have my notes, but what I am thinking the temporary Certificate of  
Occupancy has to do with the installation of some light fixtures that aren’t being  
delivered.  
Moermond: there is no such thing as a temporary Certificate of Occupancy.  
Kugler: I think we should be done by the 16th.  
Moermond: it may be nice to have some photos of what you are doing for the file.  
Kugler: I can send some in.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 10/8/2024  
8
RLH RR 24-35  
Second Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered  
for 829 THIRD STREET EAST in Council File RLH RR 23-64.  
Johnson  
Sponsors:  
Continue CPH to November 6, 2024. If project is completed by November 6, refund full  
$5,000 PD. If not, forfeit $2,500 and continue CPH to November 20th. Continue every  
two weeks until project is completed.  
Tried calling at 11:04 am: didn’t connect. Rang out.  
Tried calling at 11:09 am: didn’t connect. Rang out.  
Moermond: the second making finding, Clint Zane was out August 22 and he found the  
rehab to be 80% complete. This property has $10,000 in Performance Deposit posted  
and all permits are still open. The file began in August of 2023. A year in. October 16  
is the next Council Public Hearing. What I’m going to do is ask the Council to continue  
the matter to November 6. If the project is complete, great. If it is not, I’ll  
recommended the Council forfeit $2,500 and lay it over another 2 weeks at which point  
if it isn’t complete another $2,500 be forfeit, and so on.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/16/2024  
9
RLH RR 24-41  
Making finding on the appealed substantial abatement ordered for 1213  
WOODBRIDGE STREET in Council File RLH RR 23-44.  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
Grant an additional 180 days to rehab, continue original $5,000 PD, require additional  
$5,000 PD and updated work plan/schedule for approval.  
Michael Sauer, attorney, appeared  
Yannarelly: Mr. Zane put this at 35% on September 11th. It has been secure with no  
maintenance problems. All open permits.  
Moermond: rough ins on plumbing and electrical permits, but issued permits for  
mechanical, warm air and building. Doesn’t sound like you’re as far along as you’d like.  
Sauer: they fired the contractor and hired a new one, so things didn’t get moving until  
June. The first contractor wasn’t pulling permits and getting inspections out. Mr. Zane  
just had some additions to the scope, including a second visit by the structural  
engineer and then the R value for the insulation was raised. The current completion  
day, without any more additions, is the end of December. No money issues, just  
real-life contractor issues.  
Moermond: and the new contractor is pulling permits. I think we can continue the first  
$5,000 Performance Deposit, but I’d like to see an additional %k posted, and an  
updated work plan. Then I’ll recommend an additional 180 days.  
Sauer: shouldn’t be a problem.  
Moermond: the Council Public Hearing is October 16.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/16/2024  
11:00 a.m. Hearings  
Summary & Vehicle Abatement Orders  
RLH SAO 24-34  
10  
Appeal of Gonzalo R. Sanchez to a Summary Abatement Order at 1040  
BUSH AVENUE.  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH October 8, 2024 at 11 am to finalize work plan.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 10/8/2024  
11  
RLH SAO  
24-65  
Appeal of Kelly Sater to a Summary Abatement Order at 1240 BLAIR  
AVENUE.  
Jalali  
Sponsors:  
Deny the appeal and grant to October 11, 2024 for compliance.  
Kelly Sater, owner, appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Lisa Martin: September 11, 2024 a Summary Abatement  
Order was issued to cut and remove plant growth into the alley to a clear height of 14  
feet. Photos attached to the file.  
Sater: I tried to discuss this with Mr. Kedrowski, who issued the order, and wasn’t able  
to get a clear understanding what I was cited for. It doesn’t seem this is actually a  
nuisance under City code and isn’t dangerous or threaten public health and safety.  
These are pollinator plants that are very important for bees this time of year. There is  
little food for them now that most flowers have died off. I’d like to protect them if  
possible, it isn’t a problem in terms of vehicles passing through. They technically meet  
the definition according to the inspector.  
Martin: all of the alley right-of-way we don’t want obstruction of passage, just like  
sidewalks, garbage trucks and emergency vehicles. These will be in the alley once the  
snow flies. It needs to be cleared back to the alley pavement.  
Moermond: let me tackle first the pollinator conversation. There is no provision in code  
or state law dealing specifically with pollinators as opposed to other types of plantings.  
MN Statute 412 speaks to native landscapes, managed natural landscapes. Those  
definitions are where I look to determine if it isn’t a turf lawn does it fit one of those  
categories. Pollinators are a wide variety of plants, but plants between the pavement of  
the alley and the foundation of a garage a “managed natural landscape”. What  
happens, in my view, is that with inclement weather coming they will fall down. I looked  
at City code as well under nuisance, so I’d refer you to chapter 45.03 sections 7 and  
17. 7 speaks to tall grass and weeds. 17 speaks about uncontrolled vegetation. I know  
you’d like to keep it, and the Council may give you that opportunity, but given code and  
State law, I don’t have room to recommend granting your appeal. You can testify at  
Council Public Hearing and share your perspective. Council Public Hearing will be  
October 9.  
Sater: to be clear I don’t think the snow is relevant, I clear that all out and it is  
maintained. I clear out everything I can. Some things predate my ownership I haven’t  
cleared yet. Plants are intentionally selected. I would like to speak to the Council so  
they make a specific exemption for plants in the alley that aren’t causing issues.  
Moermond: when things do encroach in the alley it is a separate matter. It does  
encroach, so you know that’s my perspective. 134.03 speaks to projection and  
encroachment into right-of-way.  
Sater: I understood that to refer specifically to buildings.  
Moermond: we’ll send a follow up letter including my recommendation and details on  
the Council Public Hearing. Deny the appeal and grant extension to October 11 for  
compliance.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/9/2024  
12  
RLH SAO  
24-64  
Appeal of Greg Gustafson to a Summary Abatement Order at 1244  
BLAIR AVENUE.  
Jalali  
Sponsors:  
Deny the appeal and grant to October 11, 2024 for compliance.  
Greg Gustafson, owner, appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Lisa Martin: September 11, 2024 a Summary Abatement  
Order was issued to remove all plant growth hanging into the alley to a clear height of  
14 feet. Photos attached. This does become an issue when snow falls, garbage trucks  
can’t get into the alley. It isn’t terrible but does need to be addressed.  
Gustafson: I agree, yes it is overhanging by a few inches. Living in midway and seeing  
some of the other issues going on, public drug use, it kind of feels like “really, this is  
where we’re putting our resources?” and then there were four notices for the same thing  
felt like government waste. I just wanted those two pieces heard and passed on to City  
leadership.  
Moermond: what the computer system does is refer directly to the Ramsey County tax  
records. If multiple people listed, each one gets a notice. So, the addressee in each of  
these cases are different.  
Gustafson: it is just my wife and I so how would I get that fixed?  
Moermond: call Ramsey County and talk with them. I do understand your point. It is a  
lot, they do it because anyone paying property taxes is notices in case it becomes an  
assessment.  
Gustafson: I’ll take care of it today, I just wanted to have this appeal today.  
Moermond: we’ll give you to October 11, and Council Public Hearing October 9.  
Gustafson: will you present my frustration with other aspects of the neighborhood?  
Moermond: sure, I hear that. We also have notes from our conversation that are  
included that are pretty thorough.  
Gustafson: great, great. But really we need to make sure it isn’t going into the alley?  
Moermond: right, shorter plants likely won’t get push-back. This is big, it will fall over.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/9/2024  
Correction Orders  
RLH CO 24-8  
13  
Appeal of Thomas Nelson & Ranettia Alexander-Nelson to a Correction  
Notice at 493 VAN BUREN AVENUE.  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH October 1, 2024 at 11 am (unable to reach property owners).  
Voicemail left at 12:31 am for Thomas: this is Marcia Moermond from St. Paul City  
Council calling Thomas Nelson or Ranettia Alexander Nelson to talk about the vehicle  
parking situation at 493 Van Buren. We’ll try you back to try and talk about this.  
Voicemail left at 12:33 am for Ranettia: this is Marcia Moermond from St. Paul City  
Council calling Ranettia Alexander Nelson about your appeal for 493 Van Buren. We’ll  
try you back in a little bit.  
Voicemail left at 12:46 pm for Thomas: Good afternoon Mr. Nelson, this is Marcia  
Moermond from St. Paul City Council calling you again. We’ll try your wife, otherwise  
we’ll reschedule to next Tuesday.  
Voicemail for Ranettia at 12:47 pm: this is Marcia Moermond from St. Paul City  
Council calling Ranettia Nelson again about your property on Van Buren. I’ll reschedule  
this to next Tuesday between 11 and 1 again. Hopefully we can talk then, otherwise I’ll  
need to put a decision on the record.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 10/1/2024  
14  
RLH CO 24-11  
Appeal of Cornelius Lam to a Correction Notice at 1293 BEECHWOOD  
PLACE.  
Jost  
Sponsors:  
Grant to November 18, 2024 for compliance.  
Cornelius Lam, owner, appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Lisa Martin: September 5, 2024 a correction notice was  
issued specifically for drainage, sump pump drainage cannot go into alley, must stay  
on property. September 20th compliance date. Several photos attached.  
Lam: first, I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak. I want to point out it has  
been corrected in terms of the drainage. Typically, the hose does run onto my land,  
unfortunately the contractor was working on the neighbor’s property and moved the  
hose so he could do work. I have a huge amount of drainage out of my pump and it  
would have been impossible to work in the yard for him, otherwise. I also had a  
contractor this year because my fence had rotted and needed replacement, so I  
couldn’t get all the drainage absorbed into the yard. It was easily corrected; it is now  
back on my property. I have also spoken to Anderson Design and Construction to help  
me devise other methods for routing my sump pump. The underground water passage  
has changed and I’m hoping to route it over my lawn to water it. I have a kind neighbor  
who said I could do it onto his lawn too, it is important for the neighborhood. It failed  
one year and several of my neighbor’s basements flooded too.  
This has been an ongoing problem for several years. My lawn is waterlogged. I can’t  
grow much on it. My fence rotted. It is a problem I try to deal with. I spoke with the  
inspector and he suspected I speak in this forum so someone can listen to this  
problem. There were two years when the drainage slow which was because uphill the  
City had fixed the storm system, and the wet year this year overcome it I think. Once  
again, thank you for allowing me to speak. I’m not even sure if it is so much an appeal  
for the citation.  
Moermond: I hear that it is now fixed, your neighbor is also accepting some discharge,  
but it will continue to happen.  
Lam: right, but I have a contractor coming too to come up with a plan to help.  
Moermond: you were concerned it was the City sewer causing this. Once the water is in  
the sewer system gravity takes care of it. Storm water goes to the river, so I doubt  
that’s the problem. It should be diverted away, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of  
water landing in lawns causing issues.  
Lam: absolutely, I agree. I can’t confirm one way or another, but I had 2 years where it  
was dry and it was right after that piping was replaced. But you are absolutely right.  
Moermond: what’s the schedule with the contractor?  
Lam: it is already done; they have examined the site and we’ve discussed the plan. I  
am on the docket I just don’t know when they’ll be able to start. They’re a busy  
company. I will make sure the water stays on my land if possible. I’m not even sure if  
they can fix the issue since it is quite severe.  
Moermond: there must be some solution. I need to put a deadline for it to be taken  
care of.  
Lam: it is already taken care of. I moved the hose onto my lawn.  
Moermond: does that mean you aren’t appealing anymore?  
Lam: I’m not sure. It is draining. I am doing everything I can.  
Moermond: we’ll give you a deadline of November 18 and at that point if the drainage  
isn’t under control then Code Enforcement can take enforcement.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/9/2024  
Making Finding on Nuisance Abatements  
RLH SAO 24-63  
15  
Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 1009  
FAIRMOUNT AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 24-56.  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
The nuisance is abated and the matter resolved.  
No one appeared  
Moermond: was this abated Ms. Martin?  
Martin: yes, abated and file can be closed.  
Moermond: any photos?  
Martin: I don’t know, but I will ask.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/2/2024  
1:00 p.m. Hearings  
Vacant Building Registrations  
RLH VBR 24-50  
16  
Appeal of Shai Lebovich & Carolyn Brown to a Vacant Building  
Registration Renewal Notice at 188 ACKER STREET.  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH October 8, 2024 at 1 pm (unable to reach property rep).  
Tried calling Brown 1:39 pm: unable to leave Voicemail, rang out.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 10/8/2024  
1:30 p.m. Hearings  
Orders To Vacate - Fire Certificate of Occupancy  
17  
RLH VO 24-29  
Appeal of Angela Seard for Willow & Brook to a Fire Certificate of  
Occupancy Revocation and Order to Vacate at 518 DAYTON AVENUE.  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
Recommendation forthcoming pending submission of closing/title transfer documents.  
Angela Seard, Willow & Brook, appeared via phone  
Moermond: we were going to check in now, you were anticipating that you would have  
this closing on September 6. Did that happen?  
Seard: yes, it did. I forwarded the new information to your office.  
Moermond: I was wondering about the actual title. Has the sale closed?  
Seard: yes.  
Moermond: I am thinking you sent that to the Fire Certificate of Occupancy program.  
We can send you a follow up email from this hearing and you can reply to that. It hasn’t  
populated yet in Ramsey County’s recording system. Is it owner occupied now?  
Seard: yes.  
Moermond: so, you don’t even need to worry about the change of ownership form.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 10/9/2024