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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,July 11,2011 Page 24 Councilmember Willmus opined that it may make more sense for Mr. Ethen to al- low the City to abate the violations, rather than attempting to accomplish them himself; allowing for professionals to do the work, and pay for that abatement cost over time, no different than working through one of the loan programs refe- renced by Mr. Ethen in his written comments. Mayor Roe noted that there was also a limit on those available loan programs and dollar amounts. Councilmember Johnson concurred that the abatement sounded like the best op- tion for Mr. Ethen. Mayor Roe reviewed the abatement process, suggesting that Mr. Ethen may want to seriously consider a voluntary abatement, and further reviewed that assessment process through Ramsey County property taxes; noting that may be some deferral available through Ramsey County on those taxes, but expressed his uncertainty specific to assessments. At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Councilmember Johnson advised that the assessment would be prorated over five years; and clarified that the as- sessment estimate had been reduced to $3,000.00 based on the work completed to-date. Councilmember McGehee opined that it may be less expensive to remove the ex- terior stairs than to rebuild them; and questioned if this was amenable to Mr. Ethen. Mr. Ethen responded that this would be a lower cost option; and advised that he was considering demolishing the stair and constructing a small balcony; however, at this time finances prevented him taking on any additional costs, even if spread over five (5) years. Mr. Ethen opined that the most effective option would be demolition; and advised that he was seeking volunteers. Mr. Ethen advised that it was his understanding at the February meeting that there were volunteer groups available to help with scraping and painting; however, he noted that lacking that assistance, he was accomplishing the task on his own. Councilmember McGehee opined that from the looks of the shed, it would be more cost effective to demolish it; and suggested that Mr. Ethen talk with staff and get the previous property owners' contact information to provide him with as- sistance at a reasonable rate, since that appeared to be their line of work. Mr. Ethan opined that the 120 days did not allow for exterior painting to be com- pleted since February; and further opined that the other primary issue for demoli- tion could be done if a cost effective option was found. Mr. Ethan expressed his