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 5, 2026

9:00 AM

Room 330 City Hall & Court House/Remote

11:00 a.m. Hearings

Summary & Vehicle Abatement Orders

RLH SAO 26-36

Appeal of Victor Thao to a Summary Abatement Order at 685 VAN

BUREN AVENUE.

Bowie

Sponsors:

Grant to May 18th for compliance.

Victor Thao, owner, appeared via phone

[Moermond gives background of appeals process]

Staff report by Supervisor Lisa Martin: a Summary Abatement Order was issued April

21, 2026 to remove and properly dispose of scrap wood, fencing, wood panels and

miscellaneous debris from entire property and rear near alley. Compliance date of April

28th. Photos in the file. Items between the garage were issued in orders for the

neighboring property as well.

Thao: I’m disappointed there’s no affirmative action to prevent this from happening

again. I would like time to confirm my property. The area between my garage and

neighboring house, I want time to be able to find a land surveyor to determine if that’s

my property or not. I’m not sure it is my property. If this IS my property I feel like this

some type of trespassing and vandalism.

Moermond: is yours the blue or white garage?

Thao: it is yellow. To the left of the yellow building is my garage.

Moermond: are you thinking you own up to their garage?

Thao: the blue is the neighboring property and I don’t know if it is my trash or not.

Moermond: buildings are supposed to be no closer than 3 feet from the property line.

So there should be six feet at least between the two buildings. You could assume the

three feet you are responsible for. A surveyor isn’t cheap, and I won’t wait for that to

happen before this garbage is picked up. The price of cleaning this up is also

negligible compared to a price of a survey. I’m going to go with putting a deadline in

place. If I gave you a deadline in two weeks that seems sufficient to deal with the

hauler doing a bulky pickup for the larger items, and then the smaller things can go

into your cart over the next couple of weeks. I will recommend a deadline of May 18th.

Whatever is not done will be reported to me and we will have a discussion on the 19th.

If it isn’t done the Council can order the Department of Safety and Inspections clean it

up to resolve the matter.

Thao: I sent a photo on the 15th. And there’s been way more trash piled up from April

15th until now. I’d like to send those photos into you.

Moermond: my main concern is the Department of Safety and Inspections’ photos the

day they wrote the orders, April 21, any photos preceding that date while I appreciate it,

I need to work with the 21 moving forward. If additional things show up we’ll certainly

take that into account. We’ll work with you with the items there on the 21st.

Martin: the reality is if it is on your property you are ultimately responsible. Often, we

see people put up no dumping signs, or under video surveillance, motion lights, fake

cameras that can help deter some of that dumping.

Thao: this abatement order has already been taken care of.

Moermond: okay. If items have come since then, the Department of Safety and

Inspections could write fresh orders, but you’ve taken care of the items you’ve

appealed from April 21.

Thao: the trash bags and the gutters have been moved, cleaned. Everything in the

photo was cleaned up but there is still existing trash in that gap between my garage

and the neighbor’s house.

Moermond: they’ll look at the photo from the 21 and see if those items are gone. If it

is, that matter is resolved, but they could write new orders. Anticipate it is still your

responsibility to clean up.

Thao: so I should expect someone to come inspect the property?

Moermond: Ms. Martin would you want to send someone before the 18th?

Martin: he can certainly call the inspector on the orders to see if he can swing by

before the 18th. Otherwise, we will reinspect the 18th.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/13/2026

Making Finding on Nuisance Abatements

RLH SAO 26-41

Second Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for

399 BLAIR AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 26-16. (Legislative

Hearing May 12, 2026)

Bowie

Sponsors:

Layover to LH May 12, 2026 at 11 am for further discussion. Currently the nuisance is

partially abated. (CPH May 13).

Nyar Pwo, owner, appeared via phone

Mitch Hadler, attorney, appeared via phone

Moermond: Mr. Hadler, are you the legal representative for Mr. Pwo?

Hadler: yes, I will represent him.

Moermond: there was an April 1 deadline to be addressed, and we folded the items

that weren’t complete into a May 1 deadline? Sort of a de facto extension. How are we

doing with the items in those deadlines?

Staff update by Supervisor Lisa Martin: he isn’t in compliance with either deadline.

There is still outside storage including scrap wood, pallets, racking, a metal barrel, a

bunch of debris behind the garage in the yard. There is about 7 vehicles in the

driveway. Missing parts, flat tires, I’m unsure of operational condition of these vehicles

or if they’re registered to the property. They do have no trespassing photos posted, but

there are photos taken by the inspector.

Hadler: they tried to get most of the vehicles removed. Do you have the original

photos?

Moermond: yes, I do have those.

Hadler: you’ve noticed that substantial progress has been made.

Moermond: I notice that some progress has been made, and some progress has been

lost. It looks to me like there are perhaps additional debris and some items, but that’s

not what we’re talking about today. Tell me about the progress and how it relates to the

April 1 and May 1 deadlines.

Hadler: we’ve removed a substantial number of vehicles and debris from the property. I

don’t think there’s any new debris. The balance of the vehicles Mr. Pwo had someone

to buy them and then they backed out, so we’re trying to take care of that with a new

purchaser or removal party. He’s working towards that. We also went down the

Planning and Economic Development and started a file for the remodeling and permit

for the porch addition. We plan on doing the drawings for that within the next 30-60

days. With respect to the tile out there, it will be used for the patio install. There was a

request to remove the tile from the pallets and move them inside. They’re very heavy

and will be used on the patio and part of the interior. Moving them is difficult. We can

cover them with a tarp. They’re behind the fence so they aren’t visible. To move them

around at this time is counterproductive. Then they will be in compliance once they’re

installed. I’m requesting another 30 days on all the deadlines. We’re not objecting to

the zoning requirement. It will be complied with, we just need more time to do so.

We’ve made substantial progress already.

Moermond: there have been deadlines in place. The original orders were issued

February 2nd. I conducted a hearing on February 17th. Gave a chance for Mr. Pwo to

provide feedback. It went to Council March 11. We’re 2 months out from the Council

vote, and really 3 months out from the original orders. I took deadlines all the way out

to June 1. The April 1 deadline was already moved to May 1 so I’m struggling with

compliance. Construction materials the deadline is June 1. The permit that needs to

be pulled is building permit, not a zoning permit. Construction requires a building

permit.

Hadler: it is behind a fence, there’s nothing unsafe. There’s no fire hazard. The are

going to comply, but they need time to do that. We also needed the weather to

cooperate. This started in winter. We opened a file for the permit at the planning

department. That will take time for that process as well.

Moermond: you’re talking about future deadlines now, and I don’t see any reason to

change those. Quite frankly, although it is MN, taking care of vehicles by licensing and

making them operable, that isn’t weather dependent over a couple of months.

On May 13th I’ll indicate it is partially abated and will authorize Department of Safety

and Inspections to pursue abating the nuisance.

Hadler: we’re asking you to change your recommendation. It isn’t going to hurt

anything. You’re talking about procedural things that aren’t related to health and safety.

Moermond: this isn’t me putting deadlines into place. If you would have showed on

March 11th you could have asked for that. This is me following up on the deadlines

they set.

Hadler: there’s no safety problem. It is more a cosmetic issue at this point, isn’t it?

There’s no real danger. Everything is contained behind a fence. It isn’t unreasonable to

give a longer deadline as long as progress is being made, which it is. I know you want

things done, but more time is just needed. You can’t just call someone up and pull

everything out of there.

Moermond: it was an additional 90 days.

Hadler: it is very expensive. Right down the street from me there’s a light post that

hasn’t’ been repaired for 2 years by the City, but yet you’re asking this man to make

progress.

Moermond: April 1: scrap metal, tow truck, miscellaneous debris, non-construction

material. May 1: vehicles removed or licensed operable and have vital parts. I don’t

think those items are onerous. There is a later deadline which we haven’t followed up

on yet. If you get a building permit and things are underway, that’s fine, August 1 is the

deadline for the patio. There was quite an extension granted and 90 days from the

original issuance of the orders. The Council may look at this differently and that would

be your next stop.

Hadler: can I have this recalled for later today so I can talk to my client?

Moermond: we’ll put this on my calendar again next week so you have time to talk to

your client.

Pwo: when the inspector is here, I requested him to be with me and talk to them to see

the best way I can do this. What happened with that?

Martin: Mr. Kedrowski has been dealing with the owner for the last 2 years with all the

vehicles. We don’t normally set up times for exterior inspections. We set up clearly in

the previous hearings what needed to be done. Vehicles have to be operable, licensed,

can’t be scrapping or running a business. They have to be registered to the property.

Pretty standard.

Pwo: everything in my yard is collector cars. Whoever comes I want them to let me

know, I don’t want them to come without my permission. That’s why I requested them

to be with me.

Moermond: has someone gone in his yard?

Martin: no, photos are taken from the public right-of-way, no one went in his yard.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/13/2026

RLH SAO 26-34

Second Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for

2016 FREMONT AVENUE in Council File RLH SAO 26-21.

Johnson

Sponsors:

The nuisance is partially abated. Grant extension to June 1, 2026 for compliance with

all orders.

Mark Puhala, owner, appeared via phone

Moermond: we’re following up on previous deadlines given for addressing items in the

yard.

Staff update by Supervisor Lisa Martin: the inspector was out and sent in updated

photos. Some progress made, but we have a large tree trunk not cut up yet, still on the

ground, branches still, damage now to the shed now some of the items have been

removed. We also have a tall grass and weeds order that will need to be taken care of.

The stakes finally were removed from the boulevard and the yard. Not in compliance,

but getting there.

Moermond: we have an April 3 deadline for the vehicle, which was done. Remove all

stakes and fencing from yard and right-of-way.

Martin: wasn’t done on time, but it is now.

Moermond: May 1 we have removal of brush, logs, broken garbage cans, Christmas

tree. I was hearing brush and logs are still there.

Martin: a for sale sign.

Moermond: miscellaneous debris still around.

Puhala: I’m confused because my partner put that in the shed. I’ll do that today, that

confuses me.

Moermond: you should have to June 1 for the tall grass and weeds. The saw horses,

Ms. Martin? Broken pots?

Martin: no, but we do have some type of bench or table and a footstool next to the for

sale sign. Random wood in the back yard. That’s in the fourth photo.

Puhala: the footstool is in use it is for sitting or standing on when we work with the

trees. Am I not allowed to have my tables and chairs now?

Martin: that is indoor furniture; it was part of the original orders.

Moermond: when you aren’t using it then it should go inside shed or garage.

Puhala: the table, hammocks, and furniture have to be stored when we aren’t using

them?

Moermond: there’s exterior and interior furniture. If is meant to be outside, like a lawn

chair or a hammock, that isnt’ a problem. Interior furniture, sure, you can use it

outside, but it shouldn’t get wet since it is upholstered, the wood would rot eventually.

I’m not getting heartburn over those things. I’m more concerned about the brush, logs,

broken items.

The other items with the May 1 deadline, what are you thinking? You have some done,

some not.

Puhala: I’m moving brush. I was told to put the trunk on top of the pallets. I am

confused how that doesn’t work anymore. Similar with the stakes, I was told you could

keep them, then later was told I can’t. Is this where the rules got mixed up, or there’s

no leeway?

Moermond: it was mentioned because it hadn’t been split into firewood yet. The

conversation was clear in my memory an di just checked the minutes and it says the

yard and right-of-way need to have the stakes removed. The letter on Mrach 27th also

says that.

Puhala: I’m not allowed to build my fence anymore?

Moermond: you have the stakes and posts up for a while. Right now, they’re presented

as a hazard.

Puhala: that makes sense. They were solving an issue I had late summer. Finish the

project before I let stuff sit, I understand that. I am behind on the debris, but I did

send an email last night and now my water heater corroded, so I’m trying to figure out

how to upgrade my electrical panel to install an electric water heater. We have no hot

water, and a roommate with a child, so I’m in the middle of that crisis while dealing with

these cleanup deadlines. I’m wondering if I can get an extension on those.

Moermond: you’ve addressed some of the items in these orders. What I’d like to see is

for you deal with the brush. I’ll recommend to the Council to give to June 1 for other

items except the brush. You also have to June 1 for tall grass and weeds.

Puhala: we’re planning on turning over a lot of the yard, will having black dirt be a

problem? We’re wanting to kind of terrace the yard.

Moermond: cut it down. Mow it. Start turning it over. What is there is done with its

attempt to be native planting.

Puhala: I’ve been trying to use the long grass as mulch to help prevent some weeds.

Can I get an extension passed June 1 for the tall grass and weeds so I can take care

of the water heater?

Moermond: mow it.

Puhala: understood.

Moermond: it isn’t a big commitment of time and energy. June 1 deadline for the things

that aren’t complete, along with the tall grass and weeds.

Laid Over to the Legislative Hearings due back on 6/2/2026

RLH SAO 26-18

Second Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for

708 HAWTHORNE AVENUE EAST in Council File RLH SAO 26-8.

Yang

Sponsors:

The nuisance is not abated. Authorize DSI to take action to abate nuisance

condition(s).

Voicemail for Andrew Eisenhart left at 12:12 pm: this is Marcia Moermond from St.

Paul City Council following up with you about the City’s orders for 708 East Hawthorne,

and everything is done except the bathtub. That was to be gone or put to use as of

May 1. Neither have happened. I’m inclined to recommend the Department of Safety

and Inspections can abate it , which would go on the taxes so I encourage you to take

care of that. We’llr each out to your tenant now.

Voicemail left for tenant at 12:14 pm: I am trying to reach Armand McCoy, following up

on the property at 708 Hawthorne and we had a May 1 deadline that came and went to

bring the yard into compliance. We still have a bathtub propped up against the tree.

That was supposed to be removed or put to use, since that hasn’t happened I’ll

recommend the Council authorize the Department of Safety and Inspections to remove

it.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/13/2026

RLH SAO

26-27

Second Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for

1377 MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST in Council File RLH SAO 26-19.

Johnson

Sponsors:

Layover to LH May 26, 2026 at 11 am for update on compliance. (CPH 5/27)

Mary Skweres, owner, appeared via phone

Joseph Garrick, occupant, appeared via phone

Staff report by Supervisor Lisa Martin: the tarp/tent was removed. The entire driveway

needs to be cleaned up.

Skweres: the stuff against my fence are concrete forms he uses for work. I don’t know

what you want me to do, they’re up against the fence. I thought we were just talking

about the driveway itself.

Moermond: the orders say scrap metal, inoperable vehicle, miscellaneous debris from

the property. So I’d put that in the category of construction materials.

[Joeseph Garrick was added to call]

Garrick: our driveway needs to be repoured for concrete. Those will be removed once

that’s done. Hopefully in the next 2 or 3 weeks. I can get them moved for now until we

use them.

Moermond: I’m looking at photo that shows behind the fence there is quite a lot of

material up to maybe 10’. A topper, a wheelbarrow, a ladder.

Garrick: yep, there’s some ladders.

Moermond: those things appeared in the previous set of orders since they appear to be

construction materials in part. The ladder and wheelbarrow can certainly be stored

outside. Anything to note?

Martin: 7 or 8 feet in the air isn’t properly stored. On top of a garage or shed isn’t

acceptable. They can be outside, but they do need to be stored properly.

Garrick; no problem, I can do that.

Moermond: we have a lot done but not all the things you had in mind?

Martin: the whole driveway we have buckets and barrels, construction debris. Make

sure you file a site plan with the City for the driveway.

Moermond: you need to make sure it is appropriate distance from the property line.

Martin: 4 feet.

Moermond: we’re looking mostly at the barrels and some miscellaneous debris. I’m not

sure what is going on towards the back. The motorcycle is pointed towards that

storage shed area and there’s a big pile of black plastic and that probably needs to

go.

Garrick: we’re getting it all thrown away. There was so much stuff. I understand what

you’re talking about.

Moermond: you’re ready for your trip to twin cities refuse or wherever you go.

Garrick: it is getting spendy, but we’re managing.

Moermond: there was a May 1 deadline, but I do see good progress. I’ll put this on my

calendar for 3 weeks from now and then send something to Council. Today is the 5th,

so we’ll talk on the 26th.

Garrick: perfect. I’ll be done with jury duty that week.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/27/2026

RLH SAO 26-40

Second Making finding on the appealed nuisance abatement ordered for

412 WHITE BEAR AVENUE NORTH in Council File RLH SAO 26-25.

Johnson

Sponsors:

The nuisance is abated and the matter resolved.

Moermond: Ms. Martin?

Staff report by Supervisor Martin: that is abated and the file closed.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/13/2026

1:30 p.m. Hearings

Orders To Vacate - Fire Certificate of Occupancy

RLH VO 26-22

Appeal of Frank Andrew to a Fire Inspection Correction Notice (which

includes condemnation) at 484 ROBERT STREET NORTH.

Noecker

Sponsors:

Grant to May 15th for compliance.

Frank Andrew, owner, appeared

Moermond: we originally had this scheduled for 2 weeks from now, and then I asked for

it to be changed to today or last week. The idea was I would look at what would be

allowed for Dedicated Dads to have some ability to gather in that space and what would

be necessary to accommodate that use. I asked Department of Safety and

Inspections to look more deeply into what was happening so I had a better file. I’m

going to turn it over to Mr. Neis.

Fire Safety Manager AJ Neis: I have photos on the screen that speak for themselves.

When speaking with the appellant we were assured this was nothing more than a

meeting space. I told him all the meetings we believed it was in use as a night club.

We were told that wasn’t’ the case. Then we find social media. Accessory City private

lounge, offering alcohol, soliciting money, “this is how you play bingo pimpin”, POS

showing taking money and the lounge. And Blow Big bingo night with smoking

permitted.

I guess I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Moermond: I understand I am seeing still photos but I had heard there were also

videos on Facebook. Here I am thinking it looks a hell of a lot more like a party space

with liquor, smoking, charging money for things. It is not dad’s getting together now

and then. Especially when I saw the videos staff showed me. I invite any comments

you have and let you know where I’m at after I hear those comments.

Andrew: When I first put it together that’s what it was for, Dedicated Dads, but I won’t

lie I did let people convince me to do other things. I shouldn’t have done that. I can’t do

anything other than take responsibility for that.

Moermond: but you did lie to me before.

Andrew: I did, I’m sorry.

Moermond: not a very dedicated dad type of thing. I would think sons would be taught

otherwise.

Neis: I always assume good intent when I deal with people and was completely lied to

under multiple things. I wasn’t concerned about the pool table originally. The basement

is condemned period now, other than storage. It should be broom clean. I’ll also be

making a referral to the state for the tobacco use.

Moermond: today is May 5. I will ask that the Council put this on the agenda May 13, at

which time I will recommend that your deadline for compliance with the amended order

is no later than Friday the 15th. If there is an inspection Friday the 15th it should be in

compliance.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/13/2026

RLH VO 26-21

Appeal of George Leske, Occupant, to a Fire Inspection Report (which

includes vacate) at 1609 SAINT ANTHONY AVENUE, APARTMENT 5.

Coleman

Sponsors:

Grant the appeal of the order to vacate; grant to June 15th for compliance with

remaining orders.

George Leske, occupant, appeared via phone

Moermond: we talked a couple of weeks ago and I understand the Fire Inspector was

out to take a look.

Staff update by Supervisor Keith Demarest: April 29 inspector

Koehler reinspected the property. Findings were much more minimal compared to

previous inspection. Permit for changing window sized required. Screens on second

floor needs repair. Required handrail and guardrail. Those are the remaining corrections

after last week.

Moermond: sounds like a lot got done?

Demarest: he said it was night and day from last inspection to this one. The pending

revocation from the last orders weren’t continued to this order.

Moermond: so the Department of Safety and Inspections is converting this to

correction orders and not pursuing revocation?

Demarest: yes.

Moermond: the order the property be vacated is going away right now. The property got

an extension to work on the repairs, they will go out again at the end of this month and

then the Council give another 2 weeks in case there’s something outstanding. So your

biggest concern about having to move is addressed; you do not have to. June 15th.

Referred to the City Council due back on 5/20/2026