Adopt Resolution #23-215 Approving Abatement Proceedings and Further Administrative Court Action for Removal of a Hazardous Building located at 15740 Ramsey Blvd. 

The property located at 15740 Ramsey Blvd. NW has been subject to 19 Code Violation cases and 11 Police calls regarding the deteriorating conditions of the property since the current property owners took ownership in 2009.  Since 2009, the property has deteriorated to the point that in 2020, the Ramsey Building Official determined the structure to be hazardous and unfit for human occupancy, at which point, Ramsey City Council authorized the immediate securing of the home.  Section 113 of the International Property Maintenance Code states that the Code Official shall order the removal or demolition of structures that have become so out of repair that they have become dangerous.  Since 2022, staff have received seven calls or complaints regarding the status of the home and concern for the surrounding neighborhood.  Since 2022, staff has attempted to work with the property owner and owners agent to bring the property into compliance as they had stated they would like to keep the home as is. The property owner's agent has made several attempts to repair the home, with limited or no success.  Since July, the property owner provided a written statement advising they would reroof, reside, and rewindow the front of the home as a start to compliance.  Although the removal of the old windows, roof, and some siding has occurred, the structure is now in far worse condition, no longer weather-tight, and open to trespassers and the elements.  The property owner was advised that permits needed to be pulled for all work. The property owner's agent attempted to obtain permits themself, however, they were declined based on a Minnesota state law requiring licensed contractors for properties bought for speculation. The property owners agent was advised by staff that they should hire an outside contractor to complete the repairs if the intention was to keep the property, which they have failed to do.    

The continued deterioration and lack of maintenance of the home has brought the home into further disrepair and created a greater public nuisance which now requires action by staff to abate.       

Notification was provided by Certified Mail, Posting on Structure, Email, and Standard Mail.

Staff would like to proceed with securing the home immediately following authorization and continue with legal proceedings to remove the structure within the timeframe allowed by Minnesota State Law.

Costs of the boarding and abatement are assessed to the owner's property taxes in a manner prescribed in State Law.  

Staff recommends authorization to secure the hazardous building and proceed with legal actions to remove hazardous structure, well, and septic from the property in accordance with all applicable State Laws.

Motion to Adopt Resolution #23-215 Approving Abatement Proceedings and Further Administrative Court Action for Removal of a Hazardous Building located at 15740 Ramsey Blvd.