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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 14, 2009 Page 8 Mr. Munson advised that if a Ramsey County Court Citation was issued, and the City was directed to abate the violations, the approximate cost would total $21,500 for purchase of siding/soffit materials and labor for installation, installa- tion of permanent electrical service, and to complete the chimney beyond the roof line. Mr. Munson clarified that this was for exterior work only, not any interior work. Mr. Munson noted that the property owner was attempting to finish the exterior work; however, they had struggled with various issues, compounded by the hous- ing crisis and difficulty in obtaining loans. Mr. Munson noted, however, that the property had been under construction for six years, and had been without siding for over two years, and the neighbors were frustrated with the lack of completion and deterioration of the neighborhood due to its unfinished status. Mr. Munson advised that the nuisance was in violation of City Code; but that the property owner was not interested in the City performing any of the work, and anticipated that they would object accordingly; and staff further anticipated that this would be a confrontational abatement process, thus the request for the Ramsey County cita- tion process to provide the City with further protections, and to provide additional incentive to the property owner to resolve the violations. Councilmember Ihlan, from a policy perspective, requested any City policy or or- dinance covering the duration of a reasonable construction period. Mr. Munson advised that City Code and the Building Code both addressed permit lengths; and usually after one to one and one-half years, the City would intervene and strongly encourage completion of the construction, specific to exterior work. Mr. Munson advised that staff had been in contact with the property owner, offer- ing options for them to complete the work, and routing them to various resources that could provide assistance in this resolution. Councilmember Roe clarified the abatement process and the City's need to obtain a warrant to do the work. Mr. Munson confirmed the process if the property owner was to object to the City accessing their private property. Mr. Munson noted that the property owner was not present at tonight's meeting. Johnson moved, Roe seconded, directing staff to abate the City Code and Build- ing Code violations as detailed in the Request for Council Action dated Septem- ber 14, 2009, at 2433 Simpson Street, if the work is not completed by November 1, 2009, by issuing a Ramsey County Court Citation to the owner of 2433 Simp- son Street; at an estimated cost of approximately $21,500; and further directing that the property owner be billed for all actual and administrative costs; and if