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, May 6, 2025  
9:00 AM  
Room 330 City Hall & Court House/Remote  
9:00 a.m. Hearings  
Special Tax Assessments  
1
RLH TA 25-86  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1033  
MARYLAND AVENUE EAST. (File No. VB2506, Assessment No.  
258805)  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Approve the assessment.  
Javonna Anntwenette McCoy-Barber  
McCoy-Barber: yeah, Marcia, these meetings have been worthless to me. The last  
meeting we had, I tried to tell you that Minneapolis does have the fees but they remove  
them. The people I call and spoke with, their inspectors, so to keep comparing it to  
what Minneapolis does is not really helping any. Um, the inspector was out last week  
and everything is good here. This is a waste of my time, you guys did nothing for me. I  
don’t know how---we’ll probably have to sell our house because we can’t afford all this  
stuff you guys are trying to dump on us.  
Moermond: my recommendation is for approval. We’ll send a follow up email. You’ve  
been in the Vacant Building program for more than a year on this bill.  
McCoy-Barber: no ma’am. No ma’am.  
Moermond: you’re welcome to talk to the Council—  
McCoy-Barber: that’s a waste of time. But, the inspector was out last week and said  
we were good to go and that was before it was a year.  
Moermond: your anniversary date was May 2 and the Code Compliance was issued May  
6. Today.  
McCoy-Barber: that’s because your City guy didn’t take it off last Thursday at 3 pm.  
Moermond: that wouldn’t have made a difference in my recommendation but you are  
welcome to testify at Council. We’ll also send an email confirming.  
[McCoy-Barber hangs up]  
Moermond: the appellant hung up before I could offer making it payable over 5 years.  
We can do that if she responds she wants this. My recommendation for full approval is  
unchanged. Let’s send this to Council May 21.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/21/2025  
RLH TA 25-231  
RLH TA 25-230  
RLH TA 25-232  
2
3
4
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 899  
BURR STREET. (File No. VB2509, Assessment No. 258808)  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH May 20, 2025 at 9 am (unable to reach PO).  
Called at 9:18 am: mailbox full; unable to leave message.  
Called at 9:36 am: mailbox full; unable to leave message.  
Moermond: send an email indicating that we’ll put this on our calendar May 20th and  
give them one more try.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 5/20/2025  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1218  
EDMUND AVENUE. (File No. J2509B, Assessment No. 258108)  
Privratsky  
Sponsors:  
Delete the assessment.  
Billsie Daka, owner, appeared via phone  
Moermond: I’ve read the police report and I’m going to recommend this assessment is  
deleted. It will go away.  
Daka: ok, thank you.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1980  
STANFORD AVENUE. (File No. VB2509, Assessment No. 258808)  
Jost  
Sponsors:  
Approve and make payable over 3 years.  
Geoff Lindback appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor James Hoffman: August 8, 2024 property was referred to fire  
after an extensive fire in the kitchen. Category 1 opened and fee waived for 90 days.  
No current permits or Code Compliance Inspection Report on file.  
Lindback: I’ve been maintaining the property the best I could. I’ve been working to  
align contractors and now we’re getting stuck working with insurance. They want an  
itemized counter bid. A lot of their original estimate didn’t include things required by  
the City to bring to modern standards. We’re trying to avoid tearing the house torn  
about and then getting in a battle with the insurance company. We’re trying to  
straighten that out before tearing things out. Lawn in being mowed, leaves picked up  
and it is generally not a nuisance property even though it is vacant and unable to be  
occupied.  
Moermond: so, you’d like relief because you’re taking care of the property?  
Lindback: yes and working with the insurance company before we start so it doesn’t sit  
in a construction state for a long time.  
Moermond: what’s the timeline you’re working with? This went into the Vacant Building  
program August 8, 2024, will you be done by August 8, 2025?  
Lindback: that would be ideal. I’m hoping for fall at this point. We got our initial  
estimate last November. I went through some contractors before I could find one that  
could help me.  
Moermond: by the time this hits Council the middle of June, you’ll already be 10.5  
months in. When I asked about the work timeline, I was hoping to set this up for next  
year. Your insurance company should be covering this fee, and I would bring it to  
them. I can also ask the Council to make it payable over a number of years. Appeal  
the Vacant Building registration you get in august, and I can put a 90-day waiver on it  
then which would take you to October and hopefully you will be done and not have a  
second Vacant Building fee. Year one you’d have to pay, but hopefully not year 2.  
I’ll recommend this is payable over 3 years. You can always pay it earlier if you want to  
avoid interest.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
Staff Reports  
SR 25-73  
5
Review Request of Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for  
property at 593 COOK AVENUE EAST adopted by Council on March  
27, 2024 under File RLH AR 24-9. (File No. VB2405, Assessment No.  
248804)  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Reduce assessment (already levied) from $5,075 to $2,536.  
Emiliano Romero, owner, appeared via phone  
Moermond: I understand you talked with Joanna Zimny and I have a file put together on  
your case. It seems the crux of the matter is your Vacant Building fee covered June  
17, 2023 through June 16, 2024. The building permit was finaled halfway through, in  
November but they didn’t close the file until June 2024. You’ve got an entire Vacant  
Building fee; you’d previously been working on it. I think there’s reason to be generous  
in this because it was six months before that Code Compliance certificate was issued.  
I’m going to recommend it is cut in half. That means some paperwork on our end, so  
I’m not sure how fast that refund will happen. But that should be reflected in your  
second-half property tax statement.  
Romero: that would be amazing. Communication with Department of Safety &  
Inspections was a bit rough from the start. I’ll deal with the taxes and when corrections  
come I appreciate it very much.  
Moermond: you’ve got $2,500 off your taxes.  
Romero: I appreciate it so much, thank you.  
Received and Filed  
10:00 a.m. Hearings  
Special Tax Assessments  
6
RLH TA 25-204  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 886 / 892  
ARCADE STREET. (File No. J2518R, Assessment No. 258534)  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Approve the assessment.  
Voicemail left at 10:16 am: I’m trying to reach Bona Ku, this is Marcia Moermond from  
St. Paul City Council calling you about an appealed special assessment. We tried you  
April 15, and since this is our third attempt I’m going to recommend the Council  
approve this assessment. Reach back to our office with questions at 266-8585.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/4/2025  
7
RLH TA 25-225  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1083  
EDGERTON STREET. (File No. J2518R, Assessment No. 258534)  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
Reduce assessment from $444 to $424.  
Sarah Ikuomola, owner, appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Lisa Martin: January 24, 2025 a Summary Abatement Order  
was issued to remove and dispose of the futon bed from the rear of property by  
garage. Compliance of January 31. Reinspected February 5 and it was still there. Work  
was done on February 10th for a total assessment of $444. No returned mail. Couple  
past orders, but they were taken care of.  
Ikuomola: the furniture didn’t belong to us. It was the neighbor’s and it has been a  
constant issue of tenants leaving furniture around the back of the property. It gets  
assessed as mine, but I haven’t been in Minnesota for the last 3 months. I just went  
back at Easter and was gone again. I’m not there all the time but I know that furniture  
was not my property at all. I talked to the landlord about disposal and he’s trying to  
deal with it. I didn’t even see the letter, but also the furniture wasn’t mine.  
Moermond: you live here and it is propped up against your garage. Regardless of who  
did it we have ourselves a futon on your garage and an order being mailed out. I’m  
stuck on, even if it was dumped by the neighbors, you got notice about it being there  
and shouldn’t have been. Resolving the dispute with your neighbors is on you, not the  
City. I get it’s a problem, but it’s a private situation. Our inspectors can sometimes  
give advice on how to approach it.  
Martin: obviously speak to the neighbors, but if you cut back the brush in that area  
and clean it up it usually helps with dumping.  
Ikuomola: when did this letter go out?  
Moermond: January 25, 2025.  
Martin: and wasn’t cleaned up until February 10th and no appeal was filed.  
Ikuomola: I wasn’t even in Minnesota at the time. I think I called or sent an email  
regarding the appeal option on the 17th, late April, and that’s when I was aware. Even  
when I was at the house in April I didn’t see any letters from January saying it’s a  
problem.  
Moermond: this is something to talk to the neighbors about if they’re the ones causing  
the problem. I’m going to recommend approving the assessment, which I know is not  
what you want to hear.  
Moermond: we are removing a futon, a mattress charge, and then a MSW charge on  
top?  
Martin: depends on where they are disposing is my understanding. The mattress fee  
and the disposal charge. There’s a trip charge—  
Moermond: which is charged. Then a $55 fee, and then a $35 fee. I’m going to  
recommend this is reduced by $20.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/4/2025  
RLH TA 25-223  
8
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1624  
SEVENTH STREET EAST. (File No. J2518R, Assessment No. 258534)  
Johnson  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH May 20, 2025 at 10 am (wrong number for PO).  
Voicemail left at 10:34 am: this is Marcia Moermond from St. Paul City Council calling  
Jireh Mabamba about an appeared tax assessment for 1624 East 7th Street. We’ll try  
you back in a little bit.  
Tried calling at 10:40 am – rang out and dropped.  
Moermond reads property owner’s statement (attached) into the record.  
Moermond: what I’m seeing is a lot of cardboard boxes and a torn garbage bag, and on  
recheck the same exact cardboard and an additional black bag of garbage, and the  
white bag is gone. He may otherwise maintain the property but it does look like the  
City did have to do the removal of the items and fully 20 days passed between orders  
and the crew showing up. I’m going to recommend approval of the assessment.  
Note: after hearing PO reached out and confirmed wrong # was called. - JZ  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 5/20/2025  
Special Tax Assessments-ROLLS  
9
RLH AR 25-44  
Ratifying the assessment for Collection of Vacant Building Registration  
fees billed during February 20 to November 19, 2024. (File No. VB2509,  
Assessment No. 258808)  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
10  
11  
12  
13  
RLH AR 25-45  
RLH AR 25-46  
RLH AR 25-47  
RLH AR 25-48  
Ratifying the assessment for Securing and/or Emergency Boarding  
services during December 2024. (File No. J2509B, Assessment No.  
258108)  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
Ratifying the assessment for Collection of Fire Certificate of Occupancy  
fees billed during December 18 to January 21, 2025. (File No. CRT2508,  
Assessment No. 258207)  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
Ratifying the assessment for Excessive Use of Inspection or Abatement  
services billed during October 22 to November 21, 2024. (File No.  
J2509E, Assessment No. 258308)  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
Ratifying the assessment for Removal of Diseased and/or Dangerous  
Tree(s) service during December to February 2025. (File No. 2504T,  
Assessment No. 259004)  
Noecker  
Sponsors:  
Referred to the City Council due back on 6/18/2025  
11:00 a.m. Hearings  
Summary & Vehicle Abatement Orders  
RLH SAO 25-38  
14  
Appeal of Nancy Kreig, on behalf of John Schultz, to a Summary  
Abatement Order at 1623 YORK AVENUE.  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11 am for further discussion after inspector  
visit.  
Nancy Kreig, occupant of camper, appeared via phone  
Jon Schultz, owner, appeared via phone  
Moermond: you’re appealing on behalf of the owner?  
Kreig: yes, Jon Schultz, and he is right here next to me.  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
[smoke alarm chirping repeatedly in background]  
Moermond: the first thing I want to address is smoke detectors.  
Kreig: I do have a question before we get into it, I did email some follow up photos  
from this am, were those received?  
Moermond: yes.  
Martin: obviously we can hear a smoke detector not working. There is a concern due to  
the amount of people living there. I’d be happy to stop by with some to make sure we  
have coverage at the home. The main reason this was filed was after a Summary  
Abatement Order was issued April 10 to remove mattress, scrap wood, car parts, tires,  
debris from entire property and trailers and trucks. Compliance date of April 16.  
Photos attached. We also have a correction notice for all the vehicles. RV that was in  
the front yard and is now moved to driveway that is covered. No current tabs. There  
was a red pickup with smashed windshield. Lots of other vehicles. None of them are  
registered to the property. Due to neighbor’s complaints, we have an issue of  
over-occupancy which has also been an issue in the past.  
Schultz: they are all battery and electric operated.  
Moermond: but it is going off.  
Schultz: when people smoke in the house they go off.  
Moermond: that’s the point.  
Krieg: the red pickup is gone. It is impounded. No more motorcycle parts. There is a  
canoe I’m trying to get rid of. There were ladders---he was in construction a long time;  
some are in the garage but I sent photos of what is behind it. I cleaned out the  
gazebo. Jon’s Mercedes is in the driveway, not running right now. Rachel’s car is  
registered here. The other car she had, she works for pizza ranch and they gave her a  
delivery vehicle. One car broke down. One we fixed with parts and I ran out of time to  
get the car out of here. It is ugly as sin. There was a bunch of crap in the driveway that  
has been picked up. I’ve been working my tail off for a couple of weeks.  
Schultz: she can come out this afternoon.  
Kreig: we’re making headway. I’m doing the best I can.  
Moermond: you wrote on your appeal owner is 84 years old and needs time to evict  
tenants and clean up yard.  
Kreig: according to State statute we have to write the notice and then file formal  
proceedings. Eviction due to never paying a g-d damn dime.  
Moermond: so, you haven’t done anything yet?  
Kreig: I’m one person. I’ve been dealing with the yard.  
Moermond: Mr. Schultz do you need assistance with basics like meals on wheels or  
chores you could benefit from?  
Schutlz: no, I don’t believe in it. I think you’ll be happy when you come out here today.  
Moermond: just wanted to check in on that.  
Martin: I can be there at noon.  
Schultz: ok.  
Moermond: we’ll continue this conversation next Tuesday.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 5/13/2025  
Making Finding on Nuisance Abatements  
RLH SAO 25-12  
15  
Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 411  
CHARLES AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 25-5.  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
The nuisance is abated and matter resolved (new orders to be written with June 6  
deadline for new items on property).  
Norma Roberts Hakizimana, owner, appeared via phone  
Moermond: following up on your orders and the deadline. There was an inspector who  
went by and I want to get an update on that.  
Staff update by Supervisor Lisa Martin: from the original orders there were some  
pallets and everything has been cleaned up, but we have some minor scrap wood,  
twigs and branches and the shed is missing the roof. The previous order made huge  
progress in coming into compliance.  
Moermond: that was to remove any scrap wood not used for a specific purpose and any  
interior items stored on exterior. That’s been cleared out, but when the inspector went  
by he noticed some different items.  
Martin: correct.  
Moermond: so that’s closed out. How can she work with you on those new items?  
Martin: we’d typically issue new orders giving 7 days.  
Moermond: what do you think about talking about the shed and brush pile and minor  
scrap wood? Is that a big deal? How is your schedule.  
Roberts Hakizimana: I’ve had family issues with my son since December, been in the  
hospital every month and doctor appointments 3 times a week. He can’t manage  
himself. I had trees trimmed in March or April; they weren’t here last year. The pile is  
coming down and my yard waste bin has been emptied 3 or 4 times now. The shed  
roof is on my deck being repaired. The scrap wood is for my garden pad.  
Moermond: sounds like you’re going to keep taking care of the brush, what’s the timing  
on finishing that?  
Roberts Hakizimana: I’m not sure. I got the tree trimmed back in the front; it was my  
neighbor’s. If they had gone through my front they’d have seen 2 huge piles of limbs. I  
have done so much and this is between all these other things with my son. To me it  
isn’t that big of a deal to me, I wish I would have taken before photos. Are they going  
around checking everyone’s woodpile? Or do I have to report that myself. This is like  
HOA pettiness. If he can give me until the end of May, does that sound reasonable?  
Moermond: more than reasonable. This is May 6; I’ll recommend the Council gives to  
June 6 to get it done. We will follow up then. They were stopping by just to check on  
compliance with the previous things.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/14/2025  
16  
RLH SAO  
25-20  
Third Making finding on the appealed of JoAnn Lorvig Tsoumanis to a  
nuisance abatement ordered for 1400 CHARLES AVENUE in Council  
File RLH SAO 25-2.  
Jalali  
Sponsors:  
The nuisance is not abated.  
JoAnn Lorvig Tsoumanis, property owner, appeared via phone  
Moermond: we are following up and I heard from my team you aren’t done and wanted  
an extension.  
Lorvig Tsoumanis: I had a nasty cold for 2 weeks and then I had a car crash. It  
affected my whole body.  
Moermond: you probably need some help. You didn’t meet the deadline, but we’re  
going to say your deadline to have it all done is June 1 and if it isn’t done we’ll send  
crews to finish it up. We’ll talk with you on Tuesday June 3, and Council will review it  
Wednesday. You may need to hire someone to finish, otherwise the crew will take it  
and you will be charged for it.  
Lorvig Tsoumanis: right, I understand.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/21/2025  
RLH SAO 25-39  
17  
Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for 1016  
DESOTO STREET in Council File RLH SAO 25-32. (May 6, 2025  
Legislative Hearing)  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
The nuisance is abated and the matter resolved.  
Supervisor Lisa Martin: this is in compliance and will close the file.  
Moermond: nuisance is abated and matter resolved.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/7/2025  
1:00 p.m. Hearings  
Vacant Building Registrations  
18  
RLH VBR  
25-19  
Appeal of Laiyun (Larry) Yan to a Vacant Building Registration Renewal  
Notice at 680 GREENBRIER STREET.  
Johnson  
Sponsors:  
Waive VB fee for 90 days (to August 10, 2025) and allow permits to be pulled.  
Larry Yan, owner, appeared  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Matt Dornfeld: made a Category 2 Vacant Building May 10,  
2024 by Vacant Building inspector Dan Hesse per a condemnation referral from  
Leanna Shaff. The carriage house was found to be unsafe, unfit for human habitation,  
a public nuisance and hazard to public welfare. Condemnation is for carriage house  
only. It was at some point converted to a 12-unit rooming house illegally. Wendy Lane  
specifically stated this was unauthorized back in 1993. Since then, we’ve had it vacant  
secured and maintained with just a few tall grass and weeds issues.  
Moermond: looks like we have a Code Compliance Inspection Report September 9th.  
Where is that at?  
Staff report by Building Inspector Clint Zane: essentially this was converted from a  
carriage house into a type of residential commercial building at some point, without  
City approvals through zoning and permitting. When that happened I haven’t been able  
to nail down. I get the feeling it has been there quite a while before Leanna Shaff  
discovered it. Previous fire inspections it likely wasn’t checked since it was just  
supposed to be garage/storage. 11-unit residential building sober house. I used orders  
that would give some detail as to how to move forward with this.  
Moermond: the Code Compliance Inspection Report was focused on what was  
necessary to convert it back to a single-family home but not a code analysis about  
how to convert it into a legal rooming house?  
Zane: in my Code Compliance Inspection Report #2 I noted this property inspected as  
a not-inhabitable carriage house building/storage. No front footings and is not allowed  
to be heated, inhabited, and has zoning restrictions as well. #3 says it was converted  
into an 11-unit sober house with no building or trade permits related to this  
conversation. #4 says a change of use would be possible but subject to process  
including full set of architectural plans, etc.  
Moermond: the Code Compliance report we were able to reference in stamp didn’t have  
a date or addressee or address mailed.  
Zane: I think Larry would testify he did receive it. It is bizarre how the address didn’t  
generate. It is automatically generated and I didn’t catch that when I sent it out.  
Moermond: some permits have been pulled? I see old permits that are active but  
nothing current.  
Yan: I am the co-owner with my son. We purchased the property October 31, 2023. It  
has two buildings. 688 is the big house there and 680B is the carriage house. It was  
used as a recovery program for 30 or 40 years. A residential rental for more than 30  
years by the previous owner. They had the license from the City for the rental. We  
didn’t know anything about it and after we purchased it we just invested over $65,000 in  
carriage house to replace bathrooms, floors, walls and other repairs. We applied for a  
permit from the City and after the work was done and passed inspection then Leanna  
said there was a footing problem and condemned it last May. It went vacant and I paid  
the Vacant Building registration fee of $2,400. This year in February we received a  
letter of assessment for 2618. Then we received another letter, a bill, for $4,918.  
Almost double the assessment amount. Now we’re in a difficult situation, we’re trying to  
find the money to fix it, find an engineer and the funds. The main problem is the  
footing, digging down 10 feet. That is $100,000 alone. The purpose of buying the  
house was to make some money, now we’re losing money. Taxes are going up. It feels  
very hard for us to pay such a big registration fee. We managed to find the $2,600, but  
almost $5,000 is really hard.  
Moermond: what is your timeline for repairs?  
Yan: we started working with a company last November. Paying the engineer to draw  
the plan and the company talked with the City, Clint Zane, to discuss the plan. Now it  
is nice again they’re ready to get the deposit to start the job. They said it would take  
just under 2 months to deal with the footings and also another couple of months to  
deal with the floors. Those are the two major things. We’re hoping that can be done as  
soon as possible. They’re planning to start in June.  
Zane: you are in discussion but haven’t started work?  
Yan: yes, they haven’t started.  
Moermond: the Vacant Building fee we’re talking about today applies from May 10,  
2025 to May 9, 2026. I can recommend the Council waives the fee for 90 days, which  
means if it is done there would be no fee. 90 days is from the anniversary date, that  
takes you to August 10th. Sounds like you won’t meet that deadline. That will set it up  
so it isn’t hard to pull permits due to unpaid fees. You’ll get re-billed in August and will  
go to assessment and we can talk about prorating the fee if you get done in six or  
fewer months we can look at cutting it in half. Right now, I think we can do that  
standard 3-month waiver to get you started.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/21/2025  
1:30 p.m. Hearings  
Orders To Vacate - Fire Certificate of Occupancy  
19  
RLH VO 25-7  
Appeal of Josh Kirchert to a Condemnation and Order to Vacate at 1009  
MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST.  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Grant appeal and release from VB program. Grant to June 2, 2025 for compliance with  
items 1(b), 7, 10(a) and 11 to lift condemnation; grant to August 1, 2025 for balance of  
orders conditioned upon property remaining unoccupied.  
Josh Kirchert, owner, appeared  
Staff update by Supervisor Mitchell Imbertson: we don’t have anything on record for the  
provisional.  
Kirchert: I met with Daryl Chute on May 2. The day I left here I took the form right there  
and gave them the form at 375 Jackson.  
Imbertson: that would make sense it hasn’t been processed yet. The inspection did  
occur May 2 with Inspector Chute and based on that inspection the property remains  
under condemnation. An updated report was sent out with the updated items to certify  
the property. It ranges from basic maintenance to some more serious items.  
Moermond: the property is currently vacant. The condemnation was written into the  
April 9 letter and I can see why a Fire Certificate of Occupancy would be revoked  
however I’m not comfortable with an outright condemnation for these violations,  
particularly failure to get an inspection when we do now have one. I think she just  
repeated the previous violations and added on.  
Imbertson: it would have been condemned based on the lack of Certificate of  
Occupancy.  
Moermond: now we have a provisional app and inspection.  
Imbertson: it would be converted to an ordinary inspection follow up typically.  
Moermond: that’s what I was thinking. We’d need to establish deadlines. Typically, it  
would be one month out?  
Imbertson: yes, unless something warrants it. It also was not properly secured so that  
was part of the condemnation.  
Kirchert: part of why he did that was because the window was broken in the front. That  
has now been repaired. We’re hoping for it to be done in the next couple of weeks.  
Even if we aren’t renting it?  
Moermond: the Fire Certificate of Occupancy inspection can be used in lieu of a TISH  
report.  
Imbertson: it isn’t eligible to be removed from the Fire Certificate of Occupancy  
program unless it is owner occupied.  
Moermond: anything in here justifying a condemnation would stay with the house, no  
matter it is an investment property or owner occupant, like the smoke detectors. Do  
you need to complete the list? No, unless they are severe enough to mean  
condemnation.  
I don’t have a sense of severity on the fixtures?  
Imbertson: the fixtures would be a more serious concern, adaptors less of a concern.  
Smoke alarms. There are some life-safety issues, but those are the biggest items.  
Moermond: item 1(b), number 7, 10(a), we need egress from every bedroom.  
Imbertson: at least one window needs to be accessible for egress.  
Moermond: number 11, all should be taken care of.  
Imbertson: schedule directly with Inspector Chute for a reinspection.  
Moermond: if he clears those orders we just talked about then the condemnation is  
lifted and recommend you are released from the registered Vacant Building program.  
For the balance of the items, I’m fine pushing those to August 1 on condition the  
property remains unoccupied.  
Let’s do June 2 for the first items to lift the condemnation. Grant appeal and release  
from Vacant Building program.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/21/2025  
2:00 p.m. Hearings  
Fire Certificates of Occupancy  
20  
RLH FCO  
25-26  
Appeal of Dan Schmidt, North Broadway Properties LLC, to a Correction  
Notice-Complaint Inspection at 1039 ARKWRIGHT STREET.  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
Grant to August 1, 2025 for compliance.  
Dan Schmidt, owner, appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Mitch Imbertson: this is a duplex in the Fire Certificate of  
Occupancy program. We made an inspection in response to a complaint received April  
3, 2025 alleging leak in wall of kitchen and the boiler and water heater were turned off.  
Inspection was made by Daryl Chute based on that complaint and report was issued  
listening 12 items found to be code violations. Those were sent April 11 with a  
reinspection scheduled for May 7, and that is on hold based on today’s appeal.  
Schmidt: we are in the process of doing small repairs, and the water line to the fridge  
was dripping which created the issue downstairs. The owner downstairs brought in bull  
dogs, four of them. Has six people living there. Started eviction process. She called in  
no-heat and magically the heat was working when they came out. She has a system  
called “DoorLoop” to schedule maintenance. All of these items were in the redo list  
after the upstairs tenant moved out. This tenant being evicted stole the security  
cameras off the wall. That’s what we’re hanging there and what you called the smoke  
alarms. We are in process of getting new screens. The list of items makes sense, I  
was in the process of working on them when the tenant moves out. The only items  
were the windows screen. Number 1 and 2 are actually the same thing, it is the same  
spot. The only issue is all the work was being done. I feel like she was upset because  
of the eviction so she made the claim. They came out inspect the new heat complaint,  
and it was working when they got there. I’m trying to do the right thing; I believe this  
was just retaliation.  
Moermond: you had a class A rating based on a 2018 inspection. We’re walking in with  
a good history, which speaks well to your management. Where are you at in the  
eviction process?  
Schmidt: I haven’t done a lot of evictions; I messed up the paperwork and we had to  
start over. We haven’t received any rent. I rehung 2 new cameras and we’re recording  
stuff. Six people living there, only supposed to be one adult. Kids are being kept up  
until 2 am. I was just there Saturday and they were throwing bottles out the window at  
the sidewalk. I get it, if I screens they couldn’t have done it. I’m trying to document  
everything I can and dealing with it the best I can.  
Moermond: I ask because you said in your appeal about wanting to wait until they’re  
out to do the repairs.  
Imbertson: smoke alarms are the number one item to address immediately, but it  
sounds like that has been addressed.  
Schmidt: I was there this weekend and put a new battery in the one in the hall. The two  
photos they took are from the brackets for security cameras, that they ripped down.  
Moermond: you have one unit vacated, the other you intend to go through eviction. I’m  
ballparking what? June 1, July 1?  
Schmidt: I’m praying June 1.  
Moermond: are you waiting to put new tenants in 1041 and then do this other unit?  
What’s your thinking there?  
Schmidt: I’m going to try and get someone to move in. I’m looking for a good tenant  
that cares about their neighbors. I own both buildings, and my other tenants have  
been there over 2 years with no issues.  
Moermond: I think an August 1 deadline would be more than reasonable and would  
take into account your eviction process. Stay on top of that so it doesn’t slow down.  
Imbertson: its Certificate of Occupancy renewal is due too, so we’d probably do that  
full walkthrough at the reinspect on August 1.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/21/2025  
RLH FCO 25-28  
21  
Appeal of Rosa Gomez to a Correction Notice-Reinspection Complaint  
at 1123 PAYNE AVENUE, UNIT 2.  
Yang  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH May 13, 2025 at 2 pm. Staff to speak to plumbing supervisor re:  
contractor + permit.  
Rosa Gomez, tenant, appeared via phone  
[Moermond gives background of appeals process]  
Staff report by Supervisor Mitch Imbertson: this is a four unit building the Fire  
Certificate of Occupancy program. We had a referral from the St. Paul Fire Department  
after a gas leak at the stove in unit 2. An inspection was made in response to that  
complaint. A number of letters were sent. A plumbing permit was pulled for the gas  
line, we needed to see the permit inspected and approved in order to close the order  
for that item. That’s where were at now. Permit needs to be inspected and approved.  
Moermond: it looks like the permit was pulled a day or 2 before you close don’t he  
property.  
Gomez: I’m guessing when the front desk was called in December, not sure what day.  
I did talk to them and they sent me the info for the plumber who pulled those permits, I  
called and left Voicemails and emails and even connected with my realtor and no one  
has had any response. I don’t know what else to do.  
Moermond: understandably. What I’d like to do is put a call in to the Senior Plumbing  
Inspector and if they reached out directly to the contractor if something couldn’t be  
arranged. I’d like to let this sit for a week and see if that works.  
Gomez: that’s perfect. We do have tenants from the previous owner. They’ve asked  
me if they had to move, I said I’ll talk to the City and figure this out.  
Moermond: we’ll see what we can do with a call from our end. We will talk to you next  
Tuesday between 2 and 3?  
Gomez: can we do something before 3 pm?  
Moermond: we can try to call you exactly at 2.  
Gomez: that works perfect.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 5/13/2025  
RLH FCO 25-27  
22  
Appeal of Mary Durkop to a Correction Notice - Re-Inspection Complaint  
at 1725 THOMAS AVENUE.  
Privratsky  
Sponsors:  
Layover to LH May 13, 2025 at 2 pm (unable to reach PO).  
Voicemail left at 3:01 pm: this is Marcia Moermond from St. Paul City Council calling  
Mary Durkop about an appeal for 1725 Thomas. You appealed the Fire Certificate of  
Occupancy orders dated April 8. We’ll try back in a couple of minutes.  
Voicemail left at 3:07 pm: good afternoon, seems were having trouble getting ahold of  
you today. This is Marcia Moermond calling about your appeal for 1725 Thomas. I did  
want to point out quickly that I would consistently in these cases have the pest control  
issue dealt with, we can talk about the other issues next Tuesday between 2 and 3.  
Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 5/13/2025  
3:00 p.m. Hearings  
Other  
RLH TA 25-208  
23  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1122  
JACKSON STREET. (File No. CG2502A2, Assessment No. 250114)  
Kim  
Sponsors:  
Approve the assessment.  
Moermond: we’ve laid this over a couple of times so I could talk to the CAO because  
during the fourth quarter and early first quarter the owner of the property, the late Mr.  
Roger Stadler, was talking to Public Works about how he shouldn’t have to pay the bill  
because he doesn’t have a cart. We don’t know why he didn’t have a cart, or if he  
actually didn’t. It would be his responsibility to get that cart replaced. You must have a  
cart and you must pay your bill. The assessment notice for the unpaid garbage bill  
went out after March 5, the next point to discuss this. Unfortunately, Mr. Stadler  
passed March 2. Public Works had been talking with the sister due to the ongoing cart  
situation and question of whether this could be deletion since she previous discussion  
hadn’t concluded. The CAO says the assessment would still be due and owing since it  
wasn’t concluded. He was living at the property during the fourth quarter. The  
assessment for first quarter 2025 could be given consideration if appealed. Ms. Barden  
will be following up with the sister, Diane Stadler.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/14/2025  
RLH TA 25-145  
24  
Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 1686  
RACE STREET. (File No. CG2501A1-1, Assessment No. 250115)  
Jost  
Sponsors:  
Approve the assessment.  
No one appeared  
Moermond: there’s been some back-and-forth communication between our office and  
appellant. Mai, you’ve been involved, tell me where things are at.  
Mai Vang: there was a follow up email from Joanna to the title company, which he  
indicates he JUST received the email and reached out and will be working with the title  
company to see if they can do a reimbursement of that. In the meantime, he’s aware  
and isn’t attending the hearing.  
Moermond: approve the assessment.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/14/2025  
RLH TA 25-234  
25  
Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for property at 750 VAN  
BUREN AVENUE. (File No. CG2502A2, Assessment No. 250114)  
Bowie  
Sponsors:  
Delete the assessment.  
No one appeared  
Moermond: the owner did end up paying the amount and Republic asked it to be  
removed, we’ll recommend the assessment is deleted.  
Jillian Barden: the hauler is going to reduce their invoice to us. We’ll delete this and  
remove the amount from the Republic invoice.  
Referred to the City Council due back on 5/14/2025