HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-071RESOLUTION NO.2022-71
Resolution of the City Council for the City of Columbia Heights declaring the property a nuisance and approving
emergency, and any subsequent, abatement of the hazardous conditions pursuant to City Code, of the property
owned by Clifton Properties LLC (Hereinafter "Owner of Record").
Whereas, the owner of record is the legal owner of the real property located at 4518 Monroe St NE, Columbia
Heights, Minnesota.
Now, therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, and all ordinances and regulations of the City of Columbia
Heights, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights Makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. That on 9/8/2020 the property was found vacant, unsecured, and construction work without permits
was being performed inside the property. The property was posted with a Stop Work Order by the city's
Building Official and a Violation Notice to secure the vacant structure was sent to the Property Owner.
2. On 5/28/2021 Violations of Long grass, weeds, and scrub growth were found throughout the property
and a notice of violation was sent to the owner.
3. On 6/4/2021 a follow up inspection found that property owner failed to correct the long grass weeds
and scrub growth violations. A contractor was sent to correct the outstanding violations.
4. On 6/22/2021 the city's contractor corrected the long grass, weeds, and scrub growth violations and the
property owner was sent an invoice for the abatement service.
5. On 8/23/2021, several property maintenance violations were found and notice of violations and
correction orders were sent to the property owner.
6. On 9/22/2021 and 10/15/2021, status checks on the correction of the violations were performed on the
property. No progress had been made in the correction of the violations and the Property Owner had
not contacted the city regarding the property.
7. On 12/8/2021, Chief O'Brien called and spoke with Jay Rassman, representative of Zehra Sultana, to
discuss the vacant property and outstanding violations and that the unsupported/unsafe structure
hanging off the rear of the house (an old entry) needed to be removed and that all openings
(windows/doors) on the structure need to be boarded up to prevent anyone from enteringthe structure.
Chief O'Brien granted a 30-day extension to allow the Property Owner to correct the violations with the
understanding that if the violations remained following the extension the city would correct any
remaining hazards through an abatement process.
8. On 1/7/2022, inspectors found that the violations remained uncorrected.
9. On 5/9/2022 a search warrant was applied for to gain access to the premises for assessment and
abatement of code violations.
10. On 5/16/2022, Chief O'Brien spoke with Jay Rassman in person in the Fire Department Offices and
informed him that the property still needed to be boarded up and that a search warrant had been
applied. Chief O'Brien encouraged Mr. Rassman to board the property up prior to the return of the
warrant
City of Columbia Heights - Council Resolution
Page 2
11. On 6/8/2022, the warrant was approved by the loth Judicial Court and returned to the Fire Department.
12. That on 6/16/2022, a city -hired contractor secured and boarded up the vacant structure and performed
cleanup of outside storage and long grass/weeds and scrub growth violations.
13. On 6/17/2022, the property was posted as Condemned/Unlawful to Occupy.
14. That based upon said records of the Fire Department, the following conditions and violations of City
Codes(s) were found to exist and have been abated, to wit:
A. Shall close vacant structure. All openings shall be properly boarded up. Closing of vacant
structures. If the structure is vacant and unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in
danger of structural collapse, the Code Official is authorized to post a placard of condemnation
on the premises and notify the owner, to order the structure closed up so as not to constitute a
public nuisance. Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time specified in
the order, the Code Official shall cause the premises to be closed and secured through any
available public agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons. Cost to close and
secure structures shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and
shall be a lien upon such real estate.
B. Shall repair/replace electrical hazard of broken power mast on electrical meter entrance.
C. Property shall be brought into compliance with code or removed. Any/all required applications
and permits for work or demolition of structure shall be submitted and approved by the City prior
to any work being performed.
D. Shall immediately remove the unsupported structure on the west side second floor entrance of
the structure.
E. Shall board all windows/doors to prevent entry to the structure. This includes second floor
windows and entrances. Wood shall be painted or treated to resist weathering.
15. That all parties, including the owner of record and any occupants or tenants, have been given the
appropriate notice of this hearing according to the provisions of the City Code.
CONCLUSIONS OF COUNCIL
1. That the property located at 4518 Monroe St NE is in violation of the provisions of the Columbia Heights
City Code as set forth in the Notice of Abatement.
2. That the emergency abatement, and any subsequent abatements, of the hazardous situation located at
4518 Monroe St NE is hereby approved.
City of Columbia Heights - Council Resolution
Page 3
ORDER OF COUNCIL
1. The property located at 4518 Monroe St NE constitutes a nuisance pursuant to City Code.
Passed this 8th day of August, 2022
Simula, Mayor
uncil Secretary