A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL: Saint Paul/ A City Without a Heart, 786 E. 7th. Street

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Friday, August 22, 2008

Saint Paul/ A City Without a Heart, 786 E. 7th. Street

Please click onto the COMMENTS for the story.

70 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Hi, my name is S.keopenchan.

My husband and I own a small commericial mix use property at 786 7th Street East. On July 29, 2008 Fire Inspector James Thomas came out to the property address and posted the Comdemnation Poster on the building. He had told the tenants in the upper level that they have to be out from the address within 24 hours. On the Condemnation Poster he had written July 30, 2008/12:00PM. I did not received any type of letter or correspondence from the Fire Inspector referencing the inspection or why he was out at the address. Fire Inspector James Thomas told the tenants living in the second level that they had to vacate the building within 24hours. The tenants called husband and I about what Fire Inspector had told them. I called the Fire Inspector and asked him what was going on and requested for a copy what is going on.
On July 30, 2008 at 8:03am, I received a copy of what Fire Inspector James Thomas had wrote down and his reason to condemned our building.
On the same day of July 30, 2008, my tenants, my husband and I worked on what we could to get the deficiencies corrected. I waited for the Fire Inspector until 2:00pm at which time I had to go to work. While I was at work the I received a called from my husband telling me that Fire Inspector is now at the building at that time it was about 3:00pm. The Fire Inspector did not what to listen to what my husband was telling him or what the tenants were trying to let him. All he stated was" I thought I've told you, y
ou have to vacate the building in 24hours."
I requested to speak to Fire Inspector James Thomas over the phone. He briefly spoke with me and told me if I do not like it I could file and appeal.
I did file an appeal. I file the appeal August 1, 2008. At the same time we were trying to get contractor for the broiler and the stair case.
on August 4, 2008, Fire Inspector on his own accord did another inspection of the building again. I did not received any letter or notice of the inspection for August 4, 2008. No one at our building why he was there or what he was doing. This letter was received on August 6, 2008/post mark August 5,2008.
On August 5, 2008 at 11:00am I went to my Appealing Hearing at 15 Kellogg Blvd Ste 300.
During this proceeding I asked the Marcia Moermond to give me time to get some of those deficiencies done. Marcia Moermond had deny my requested based on Fire Inspector James Thomas report.
I plead to Marcia Moermond to have the inspector go back out and re inspect the property again because is not a hazard for human to live. Marcia Moermond, Fire Inspector and I schedule for the re-spection for August 6, 3008 at 10:00am.
The Appealing hearing was done at approximately 1:30 or so. I go the building at approximately 2:00pm give or take and found the locks on my grocery door have been dismantle and the doors were seal shut with deadbolt. I went right away to 15 Kellogg Blvd Ste 310 asked to speak with Ms. Moermond, instead I spoke with her secretary Vickie. I explained to Vickie what I found at my store and a red take with another the City of St Paul on it and an Inspector name Virgil Thomas. I asked Vickie, if there was an order for the Inspector to seal my store shut. Vickie stated after verifying the hearing NO, and Vickie refer me to the Commerce Building at 85 8th St ask to speak to Mr. Humphrey. I went to this location the two staffs that I spoke to over at this located stated there was no one by that name at the location and they sent me to the Golden Plaza Building located on Robert and Minnesota. I went there and spoke to another lady there and she sent me back to 85 8th St E and told me to let the ladies know Mr. Humphrey is at that location. I went back and met a gentle my in the elevator and superisingly enough it was Mr. Humphrey. I explained to him my situation and he stated his division would not be sealing or bolt anyone property doors. He referred me to Mr. Ridding. I spoke with Mr. Ridding and he stated and verify that his department and any division of the City would not deadbolt any property doors. He suggested maybe there were more to the situation than just the codes. He referred me to call the police. I left the 85 8th St E at approximately 4:30 give or take. I called the none emergency number at 484 3366 and spoke to a dispatcher and was told my alarm ompany had called in a burglary at 2:00am that very morning of August 5, 2008. My husband and I did not have access to the store. I've for the police to assist us inorder to get inside the store. The officer that came were not able to assist us on that and advised to get to the Recorder Department as soon as we could and contact our insurance agent.
The morning of August 6, 2008, I contacted our insurance agent and asked him on what we needed to do. He told me, I need to go to the Recorder Department and file the report right away. At 8:45am, I calleed Fire Inspector James Thomas and spoke to the receptionist and she told me to leave a message for him. I left a message for Fire Inspector James Thomas and explained what happened and asked if he could meet with me later on that same day.
I called Ms.Moermond's office and left a message for Ms. Mai Vang. Ms. Mai Vang called med back, I briefly explained to her my situation and she advised me to contact Fire Inspector and work it out with him.
I calle Fire Inspector again about approximately 8:50 and was able to speak to him in person, I explained my situation to him and I told where I was headed.
Fire Inspector James Stated his schedule is busy, but he will give me a called when he is in the area. From this comment, I took it upon myself thinking it was okay with him, because I had told him where I was heading and what I was doing. And that was when I proceeded with what the officer had advised and what my insurance agent had advised me to do. I went and got the police report and went to the East Investigation and talked with Sgt Kill.
Yes, I blame myself for missed prioritizing my responsibilities. I have to gain entry into the store level as well because our whole building was condemned. So, I need to take care of that first inorder for our building to be lifted.
Fire Inspector James Thomas called me at approximately 10:00am, he told me and he his supervisor Leanna Shaff are at th building and they were inside the building. He stated he will inspect the units where the tenants are present and the building. I told him since he there yes I give him my promision to do so. He had inspected the buildng before without me being there so he could do the same.
He asked for the spelling of my name and dob. I provided to him
On August 8, 2008 I received a letter from Ms. Moermond's office stated that she deny the appealing and given us until August 12, 2008 to vacate the building if the deficiencies were not in compliance. Post mark August 7, 2008.
August 9, 2008 I received a letter from Fire Inspector James Thomas of his written report, now with a total of 18 deficiencies. Majory of which he had already inspected with his supervisor and even communicate with the tenants that were present at the time of the inspection on August 6,2008 at 10 am.
On the same date I received a letter from Fire Inspector James lift PLacard on the Building Condmnation and any part of the building that were condmn may now be reoccupied.
On August 9, 2008 I received a letter from Ms. Moermond office (post mark August 8, 2008)
Ms. Moermond stated that she had called the East Police Commander and verify that my claimed of why I missed the appoitment schedule on August 6,2008 was not valid and that the Commander had verify it was not the case. And that was is now ordering the Condemnation of the three units that the Fire Inspector and his supervisor were not able to get access to.
I sent a fax letter to Mr. Moermond's office explaining my situation on Augus 6, 2008 and that was in fact I did not lie or tried to void inspection.
On Monday morning Ms. Mai Vang
called and left a voice message asking if I could be at a hearing for August 12, 2008. I did not know there was a hearing schedule or this date. But I stated I would be available any thing concerning my building.
On August 12, 2008, Ms. Moermond told me at the hearing that she deny my request for the extention and that she exspect us to vacate the building on August 15, 2008.
I asked what happened because the Fire Inspector sent me a letter tha the building Condmnation was lift, I showed her the letter and she simply stated that she is now denying it.
I was shock and speakless. I had nothing else further to say after what she just did. She told me that my tenants and I are to vacate the building by August 15, 2008 and there is a public hearing on August 20, 2008.
On August 18, 2008 at approximately 2:00pm Fire Inspector James Thomas was seen entering the building through the back entery and existing the front door. He exchange words with my husband told my husband, you should be out of this building. When my husband commented to him that it seemly like he is taking this as a personal matter. Inspector James Thomas patted his pants pocket and told my husband thank you, I have it recorded.
Which we have no ideas what the hell he is talking about on that one..

August 20, 2008 my tenants and I went to the public hearing and all people that sat in those chairs had no interested in listening to what I had to say. They've already made their decision to condmned our building.

August 21, 2008 Fire Inspector James, Leana Shaff and a social worker came to the building and their comments was the building is condmned because they could see the stair case is not done and it should have been done by today.

Please watch the Public hearing on August 20, 2008 agenda 75 and hearing for yourselves.

I called the contractor and told him he have to come and the stair case done for me. The contractor came and he wrote up his paper. The contractor requested to talked to the Inspectors but they've refused to talk to him, they only thing they know how to say was Katthi Lantry said..if this is not done by today, the building is condmned.

As a close to my story with the City of St Paul. I have never experience anything as such in my life time. My husband and I worked hard for what we have and invested in as we want to live that American Dream that every American are soo pride of.. The land of the Free and the Home of the Brave..
This is now an over statement for husband and I. And we apologized to those that might take offense to this comment but if you are wearing our shoes and walking the miles we have to walk to achived what we have achived...you will feel the same as we.
There is no bravaries in stealing from the innocent and harding working people. There is no freedom when you use your book to dictate the lives of human beings.
My husband and I our not fixtures...we are human just like everyone else... we have daily lives problems, difficulties, challenges, lack of expereinces, knowledges, skills and among other things that we are unexperiences on or with... through out this whole process and proceeding ALL WE AT 786 7TH STREET EAST HAD ASKED FOR FROM THE CITY WAS TIME.
What Ms.Moermond and her teams has wrote and stated are an over statement of what is actual and what is realities...
Kathi Lantry stated that she would rather have our tenants whom are my family members and friends be homeless than for them to live in a building of this condition.
I asked the public is there no running water and no electricity in my building. No, we have running water and electricity, we have more than just a roof over our heads we have a family of different races living together as family and calling it a home.
Kathi Lantry and her partner/collegeau want to have my family members and friend be at shelter. They claimed the shelter is way better than here. Of course it is in a way better condition there here because it is a State funded Shelter or programs.
Friends and associates of all alike... I share with my story not for you to total trust what I say. Please feel free to look into it and research it for yourselves.
You are welcome to talk to my tenants, families and friends for your own peace of mind.
Read through the correspondence which the City and the Fire Inspector had sent to me...
I have nothing to hide neither do I have any to ly for. I have always thoughts that as long as a person can speak, read, and write and make that person as a person that is able and could communicate and be able to understand and will work together. This is our livihood and it is being strip away from the group of people whom I thought were to work for and protect the liviliness of the American Dream... I can now stand quoted I was wrong...

Sincerely;

Sochinda C Keopenchan; 11:13 PM
Bob said...: Very sad story.

Sochinda and her family will spread the word of what has happened to them to other family members and friends. These folks will tell others. And hopefully they will join us here at A Democracy in the comfort of folks who understand their dilemma.

One day our numbers here will be great, and we will vote, then we will decide what is right and what is wrong.; 11:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Bob, are you sure you about Kathry Lantry being a leader ?; 11:25 PM
Anonymous said...: According to maps.google.com, this building is on the corner of East 7th and Hope. Right?

Interesting choice to me. The other three corners have: a check cashing place, a corner market and a laundromat. My recollection is that all three business have challenging clients. The only building on that corner which never caught my attention was 786 7th. It has been years since I have been in any of the four buildings on that corner, but my opinion remains: this is the best one.

Odd choice...

Bill Cullen.; 11:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Bill its because of the conditions that people were living in. From the City site:

Ramsey County tax records says the owner is actually Pouv P. Ouk

786 East 7th Street from the inspection reports:

"UPSTAIRS - CONVERTED OFFICE SPACE - FAMILIES OF FOUR EACH IN ONE ROOM. FAMILES SHARE A BATHROOM AND A KITCHEN. ENTRY DOOR HAS BROKEN GLASS.

M4 arrived to find pt in upstairs apartment (#6) c/o of difficulty breathing. During our evaluation the following issues were noted: 1. Lack of fire extinguishers in common hallway. 2. Exit door(s) were not latchable. 3. Unable to locate Key box. 4. Multiple smoke detectors were chirping. 5. Multiple extension cords, power strips throughout hallway running into different apartments. 6. Dead pet birds in cages. 7. Three toddlers/infants crawling around on floor in same location of dead birds. Floor were filthy. 8. Rear stairway/exit built of wood which did not appear to be secured. Many different pitches of treads and risers. Loose hand rails and boards. Overhead wires above staircase could be a hazard."

The standard for how people live has to be higher than the check cashing store.

Have you people no compassion for the people living in these conditions?

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 11:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Folks if you want to see chucks ass burning, go to the x-cel posting.; 7:11 AM
Anonymous said...: I think the city doesn't like the idea of a home being at an intersection where the other three properties are commercial.

If Bill is right, isn't it true that the city can rake in more money if they tear the house down and re-zone it commercial ?

Jeff Matiatos; 7:14 AM
Anonymous said...: Recently I have noticed more and more businesses/homes in St.Paul with bars on the windows, are they being put on because of crime or to keep the city out?; 8:51 AM
Anonymous said...: 7:14am I do not see Chucks ass burning at the X-cell posting he did clarify some information.; 8:54 AM
Anonymous said...: 8:54,

He did make his point.

Jeff Matiatos; 9:02 AM
Anonymous said...: I find this story very disturbing... I am guessing that where this family is from the culture is very different then the one we have here in the states so in this families eyes the way they were living was most likely very comfortable compared to what they had been used too. As with many other cultures family ties are very strong, something we have lost and should look closer at before passing judgement on others.

Its understandable that the city had some concerns for the health and welfare of this family but the measures that the city took are a bit extreme, from reading this ladies posting it appears they made most of the corrections. It could very possibly be that this family did and/or does not understand housing codes and felt that they were in America known to be a free country and they could live in the privacy of their home the way they wanted too.

Putting this family in a shelter and removing them from their home is not the answer yet the city seems to take that route with many, why not help this family instead with making their home livable to meet the cities requirements...? In the long run I would think it would be a much better outcome for everyone including the city, that is unless the city has other plans for that corner piece of land...?

Nancy O.; 9:48 AM
Anonymous said...: 6. Dead pet birds in cages.
7. Three toddlers/infants crawling around on floor in same location of dead birds.
--------

That's fuckin' sick and I don't care where they are from, they are here now and child neglect is serious.

Neglect children grow to wield baseball bats at cancer ridden middle-aged women for kicks and attention.

Occupancy is a real issue. This is not some tenement on the lower east side in the 1920's, this is the 21st century. The electrical set-up is not hazard to just their lives but the investments and property of others nearby. Same goes for the hygiene of the building. Rats don't stick to one address.

I don't care where these people come from, they are not there anymore.

Would any property owners allow this to go on if they lived in the unit below them? Bill? Sid? Froggy?

Sad story, too bad. They need to learn how to conduct themselves and their children.; 10:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Nancy Lazaryan talked about citizens working together to help folks with abatement problems fix up their homes to offset and counter abatement and condemnation.

I like the idea but the city will not permit laymen to assist people in making corrections and repairs to abated property.

It sounds like this familys building needed to be lifted.

If this was the problem, I guess only a qualified company would be able to fix this problem.

This family should seek a second opinion from a private contractor to see if the city is over reacting or overeaching in their diagnosis of the situation.

If the contractors opinion differs,
then the family must challange the city and get an injunction pending the courts decision.

One way to get around the citys appeal process which I hear stinks.

Jeff Matiatos; 10:53 AM
Anonymous said...: 10:40am I agreed that there was some issues that definately were cause for concern...but what I also was saying just tossing these families out into the streets and shelters does very little for teaching them how to live a healthy life here in our country. What I was suggesting is some help for them to understand the quality of life we offer here in our country and how to live within our standards. The current method is displacing families which will also cause a unstable life for them which also causes crime and/or violence.

It is very disgusting to hear that they had dead animals, filth, electrical hazards and etc... with small children crawling around but with some education/learning tools and help/assistance I would assume and hope these issues could be overcome without the drastic measures of taking their home. The alternative is going to be they will live off the government. That seems to be the solution for everything, gee wonder why taxes are where they are at...

Nancy O.; 11:09 AM
Anonymous said...: Sochinda, I don't intend to sound mean spirited but we all feel for your situation.

Come back to the discussion here, because some posters make a valid argument that you were permitting an unhealthy and unsanitary enviornment.

Unless you have a disabling reason why you cannot maintain your home, then there is no excuse to live like that.

We expect at a minimum, that DSI would at least protect the public from unsanitary and hazardous living conditions.

Structual deficiencies can most always be corrected or avoided .

Jeff Matiatos; 11:42 AM
Anonymous said...: 10:40 said:

"6. Dead pet birds in cages.
7. Three toddlers/infants crawling around on floor in same location of dead birds.
--------

That's fuckin' sick and I don't care where they are from, they are here now and child neglect is serious."

I think that probably anyone's home could be written up with this negative kind of wording about something. The truth is rarely in black and white, but comes in shades of gray.

That is why we need citizen oversight, to determine what is the appropriate solution. Without that, it becomes opressive.

With Humphrey and Moermond involved, I'd recommend a top quality citizen review of this case.; 12:30 PM
Anonymous said...: citizens oversight?

You mean the Eric and Bob plan? Goodluck with that.

I don't know how you can spin, filth, diseased dead animals, and toddlers.; 1:10 PM
Anonymous said...: No 1:10. Words like 'filthy', 'diseased', and 'dead' are loaded as they carry deep emotional meaning. 'Three toddlers/infants crawling around on floor in same location of dead birds' might mean something, or it might simply be sensationalized wording.

What does it mean?

Was the report accurate or was it fabricated by an inspector?
Were the toddlers at some kind of risk? Specify the risk?
Does 'birds' mean one bird? two birds? or how many birds?
Does 'pet' include sparrows?
Has the city respected the rights of these people?
Are the city's actions excessive in this situation?

The city has no process in place to evaluate the accuracy and meaning of these reports. Note: The Nazis used sensationalized wording in an attempt to justify their treatment of the Jews.

While the city has always had a few properties that warrant condemnation, why are there so many additional properties now?

Why has the city abandoned its citizen oversight?

Are you an inspector?; 3:53 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm not an inspector and you're not going to NAZI me out of a conversation because I asked questions.

What is wrong with you people?
I don't support the city. I'm not some political lackey. Is your goal to beat every voice into submission even is they agree with you for the most part?

Dead=Not alive, therefore rotting decomposing corpse.
Toddler= someone less than three years old
Filthy=unclean
Smoke detectors chirping= not working properly, fire detection problem.
Electrical cords running throughout the hall= unsafe connections which lead to fire hazard.
Birds=more than one bird, who gives a shit what breed?

Again, health hazards and fire hazards are a danger to not only the idiots that live there but the people and their families who live near them. This is not Laos or Mexico, Somalia or the Ukraine. I don't want to lower standards in the name of 'culture'. I like the standards that keep all of our 'cultures' safe.

Finally, as a landlord, who would allow the upper unit of your duplex to live like that? Which one of you? Speak up please?

You bleeding hearts think that because someone is from a foreign country that we have to bend to their viewpoint so that we get along. Hell no.

You move to America and live in St Paul, you have to maintain your property because we don't accept living in filth as your 'right'.

Sorry, but this is a bad example of the city of control and the bunch of you are a lying hypocrites to stand behind this guy. Its his type that gives the city the power to roll us hard. People point to his place as an example of why code enforcement needs to be stronger.

Which one of the ricomen own and rent property in the shape of this place? None. Why? Because its bad business.; 8:44 PM
Anonymous said...: St. Paul has made an "art" out of writing reportds like this that make the livinf quarters seem quite bad when in reality they are far from the conditions the city states. Remember the photos of Jessamine anyone? That's the city standard of what's not fit to live in. Put em up again Bob so all can see the standard of habitabitability St. Paul and its leaders aspire to. PR how about the houses they have been tearing down that have had photos posted here? They look good too. Now look at Thunes properites.; 8:59 PM
Anonymous said...: explain to why a lawyer call
the inspector and the city council demand them to prove it. And then
they said sorry to the mom of the childrens. And still have child in danger investgation. I was told this by the mom of children.

And she is talking to lawyes about lawsuit against the city for their statement at the public hearing on Wed nite.

City try to make it worst then is.

So.they can get support of people.; 9:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Well since Eric ran off with his tail between hin legs when he figured out tht he was going to get his ass kicked in the ricoment argument, how about you Chuck? Wanna tell us one last time.....just for old time sake how these guys are slumlords and how the city is interested in the tenants safety? Tell us about how you know these guys again Chuck and how terrible their properties are. Could we get some addresses please so we can post photos of their properties?; 11:07 AM
Anonymous said...: 11:07

I left because there is no argument. There is no discussion. There is no debate. There is no middle ground. On this board, you either take everything every person who has a gripe with the city as gospel, or you're the enemy.

You bitch about the system is corrupt yet, you do nothing to change it. Suing, is not and will not work. The evidence is not on your side. The so-called missing evidence never existed. You've been told its over - over and over.

You're right about one thing- change is coming to St Paul, and the grip is only going to get tighter.

Don't mention my name and I won't return.

Eric; 11:23 AM
Anonymous said...: Well Mr.Eric there has been a lot of that evidence you say is missing released.The Ricomen just revived the fight and you might not want to leave because the ricomen are back!

These lawsuits can and will change how the cityconducts itself-You just watch and see.; 12:18 PM
Anonymous said...: That is, if the evidence proves rico. At last count I have excluded bad behavior by individuals because corruption is more probable than conspiracy- which is what rico means.

So, if the new evidence proves certain people have been acting negligent on the job- without city approval- good, get them out of government.

You are probably still confused. To sum it up, its why I believe Johnny Howards issue and not the RICOmen.
Johnny is claiming unfair actions by some individuals in a department.
Rico is claiming a conspiracy among the department sanctioned by the city and covered up by the county.

So again, is it proof on Rico, or some actions by some bad players employed by the city- you know, old fashioned corruption?

Eric; 1:18 PM
Anonymous said...: Keep watching Eric you'll see rico isn't even the citys biggest worry.Theres more to these lawsuits then just rico.

Its time for the ricomen to speak!; 1:48 PM
Anonymous said...: I've heard through the grapevine the ricomen have filed their summary judgement.Whats the word Bob?

Jim; 2:54 PM
Anonymous said...: I talk to one of those guys once in a while and the word is scortched earth from here on out according to them.; 7:43 PM
Anonymous said...: The word is out. The city is f---k.
You it see; 8:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey 10:40 AM!

Of course child neglect is serious and this sounds like child neglect. No one should allow it.

But two questions. First, At what point should a landlord quit being a housing provider and put on a social worker hat? How often should we inspect for pet health? How often should we check on the welfare of children? How often should we check to assure there is no domestic abuse (my biggest problem). I am not qualified to assess family health and I suspect tenants would not welcome my amateur attempt. Would you welcome a landlord asking if your kids got their vitamins and vegetable portions for the day? You would find it ridiculous. I PROVIDE HOUSING, NOT SOCIAL SERVICES. Your attempt to lay responsibility on a landlord for a dysfunctional family is just what we are frustrated with.

Second, PLEASE do not use household created problems as reason to condemn a building. If a tenant is a pig or refuses to care for their children/pets, that has nothing to do with the building. Don’t board it up and require the landlord to spend 10s of thousands to rent it out again.

I recognize the city reports show serious safety problems in this building (per Repke’s post), so it may not be a great example of my second question.

Bill Cullen.; 9:13 PM
Anonymous said...: If the city was so concerned about a tenants health and safety why do they throw the tenants kids out of their house when a older brother or one of the parents have behavior problems.

Isn't the innocent victim who the city says they protect?But then they force landlords to evict a whole family for behavior of a few.And when the landlord doesn't the send out the code cops.

Tim Ciani; 9:34 PM
Anonymous said...: This must be the calm before the storm.I went on the federal filing system and read some of the ricomens evidence and I'd have to say the city fight might be over.WOW!
I can post some but don't want to step on Bobs toes-Maybe alittle teaser for the gang to chew on.; 10:31 AM
Anonymous said...: Go ahead and step on his toes, tell us what you know.; 12:25 PM
Anonymous said...: I also went there and read some things. More than than I could afford, they charge you to read it! I must say Chuck.....I see a lot of reference to depravation of funds, using the "wire," to send orders, people conspiring with each other to further activity, many references to things being sent through the Post Office. From what I've studied on RICO, it sure seems like they are laying the ground work here. And with plenty of references to other included documents to back up what they're saying. I don't think the game is over yet Repke, I think the fat lady is about to sing and the city's not going to like it. I wouldn't want to be in these city officals shoes.; 12:38 PM
Anonymous said...: You guys are already beat, you just don't know it yet and by the time you figure it out, you'll have half the city suing you and the other half standing outside the city hall with pitchforks.; 2:19 PM
Anonymous said...: 12:38 I don't know anything until Bob posts it here, but I am dying to read anything that you have.

It is not a conspiracy for people in the government to talk to each other or to cooperate in doing their jobs. So far that has been what was said to be a "conspiracy." They have also tried to say that because they believe this all to be a RICO case that if they sent notices to owners in the mail, then it was using the mails to commit a crime... I thought that has been pretty funny.

So, if you have read it, who is it that benefits from this conspiracy? Because that has been what has been lacking so far. I mean the best they have come up with was that somehow the City decided to pick on these guys to increase the waiting list at PHA, like that was going to make someone some money somehow...

Its been pretty funny stuff.

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 2:52 PM
Anonymous said...: 190,000 lawsuits?
189,000 with pitchforks?
Don't think so.; 2:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Chuck applying different standards to government PHA and tougher code to private landlords in itself is unfair and illegal.
PHA could not have stayed in business with the money HUD was giving them if they had to abide by the same code as the private guy.
There is also money HUD gives to the city in return for the city to have ample affordable housing-Code compliances and stricter code do not ensure this and either St.Paul lied to Hud to recieve the money or Hud looked the other way.

What ever ya think I think the city has opened a can of worms with what I read.; 3:05 PM
Anonymous said...: 3:05 there is no evidence of any of that. What you have are stories, "I heard about this one time where that happened so it must be..." The code is the code is the code. There isn't a separate code for PHA than anyone else.

Remember there are as many people living in privately owned properties being paid for with Section 8 money as there are PHA section 8 housing units. PHA is as much a part of the private landlords as it is public housing. They need private landlords to take their vouchers! If the City were to put all of the private landlords out of business it would hurt not help PHA you idiots!

These jerk offs who didn't take care of their property want to say that somehow there is a different standard when the inspector comes to a house that is PHA rented? Bull shit! What is there a sign outside?

You have to be amazingly stupid to think that somehow some group of private landlords were singled out for special harsher treatment.

Why them? What do they have in common other than not being able or willing to keep up their property?

Like I said before this thing is over. When they went for summary judgement they basically said we have nothing because the City must be hiding the evidence that we don't have. The court said you can't make up a claim and then say you can't prove it because somebody is hiding the evidence and expect to get paid for it.

There is no evidence because there is no conspiracy and no one to benefit from a conspiracy.

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 3:25 PM
Anonymous said...: 3:05 there is no evidence of any of that. What you have are stories, "I heard about this one time where that happened so it must be..." The code is the code is the code. There isn't a separate code for PHA than anyone else.

You want to bet Chuck?; 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...: These jerk offs who didn't take care of their property want to say that somehow there is a different standard when the inspector comes to a house that is PHA rented? Bull shit! What is there a sign outside?

Chuck many houses condemned were aproved under Hud standards.Chuck read the summary judgement briefs theres plenty of evidence to support what the ricomen say.; 5:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Why them? What do they have in common other than not being able or willing to keep up their property?

Silly Repke they had minority tenants causing behavior issues.; 5:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Like I said before this thing is over. When they went for summary judgement they basically said we have nothing because the City must be hiding the evidence that we don't have. The court said you can't make up a claim and then say you can't prove it because somebody is hiding the evidence and expect to get paid for it.

Its not over Repke its just the beginning.Where do you get your info from.The ricomen just filed.; 5:25 PM
Anonymous said...: The ricomen were going for sanctions Chuck 2 months ago.That wasn't summary judgment you d-horn!

Tom; 5:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Chuck if the city was applying a different code to PHA and the private guy would that be a problem in your thin book?

Tom; 5:31 PM
Anonymous said...: chuck,

You better tell dave t. to leave the state soon. Alot of people are going come after the city council members. Our taxes will be increase by 1452.00% to pay for just the 4 lawsuits.; 5:43 PM
Anonymous said...: "if they sent notices to owners in the mail, then it was using the mails to commit a crime... I thought that has been pretty funny."

So, if you have read it, who is it that benefits from this conspiracy? Because that has been what has been lacking so far."

Mail fraud + wire fraud + conspiracy when committing an illegal act = RICO Repke. No one had to benifet as far as getting money goes, all that has to happen is that ricomen have the money taken from them as a result of the citys illegal actions.

As far as conspiracy, it can be as simple as all the inpsectors shutting up or not knowing anything to allow the city to cover it up. You're an idiot and the city is about to take a fall.; 6:44 PM
Anonymous said...: I know one of the rico guys Chuck. It may suprise you to know that they had the emials and other info that the city wouoldn't produce. They made a big deal out of it to give the city the chance to officially not produce it and the city fell for it. So how do you think it's going to look to a jury Chuck when all this stuff gets talked about. I've heard that there's some very disturbing communications coming and going from the city council offices. We'll see if the jury agrees with your assesment of the facts Chucky. I don't think they're gonna, and that's all that counts.....not what you say.; 6:56 PM
Anonymous said...: So, it is the same old, same old...

Mail fraud is now sending a letter in the mail that we don't think is the truth. Oh My God and these people want to be taken seriously.

And, "HUD Standards" what the F is HUD standards. These guys are saying because someone passed the inspection that PHA does to allow section 8 then the city has to accept that as being the City code inspection. How crazy is that? I have had section 8 tennents nobody ever says that inspection is anything to do with the City. And PHA properties are all subject to code inspections and get them!

...and there are a lot of minority members with behavior problems and not all of there landlords get write ups...

I so hope when this is all over that the judge awards damages to the City for court costs and attorneys for this silliness.

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 8:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Chuck if the city was applying a different code to PHA and the private guy would that be a problem in your thin book?

Tom

5:31 PM

I ask this of Chuck before and he didn't answer.Chuck could you answer this?

Chuck maybe the ricomen were the only one with the guts to stand up to the city.; 10:39 PM
Anonymous said...: Chuck did you really think the lawsuit was over?

Jim; 10:57 PM
Anonymous said...: The St.Paul police report to PHA all police calls made about PHA properties.

What other deals do they have ?

Jeff Matiatos; 11:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom,

Yes

There is only one code. The City code follows the state building and fire code. I have read the code and there isn't a special code for PHA.

I would have a problem if they wrote a seperate code for PHA.

Do the police keep PHA informed about police calls, it wouldn't suprise me. We also have an officer that is assigned to work with East Side landlords. He offices in the same building I do. He calls apartment owners and lets them know when there is problems.

So...?

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 11:39 PM
Anonymous said...: The proof is coming Repke and Tom that Pha applied their own code while the city pounded the private low income landlord.
The city let Pha go by their hud standard codes.
You watch Repke.; 12:20 AM
Bob said...: Hi All,

I hope to have something up on the RICO case this evening.; 7:10 AM
Anonymous said...: Bob I thought Chuck said the rico summary judgment was dismissed?; 8:39 AM
Anonymous said...: Chuck, the police don't need a special deal to report anything to anybody but make their reports to the station.

PHA doesnt use this information for good reading, it is used to evict tenants of public housing the same way the code uses utility information to get abatement orders
against homeowners.

PHA has a policy that if a tenant in a family unit doesn't pay their utility bill,( pha familys live in condo type housing where their living quarters and utilitys are all connected so if their neighbor doesn't pay their bill, the other guy gets shut off too).

Thats grounds for eviction because it creates a public health issue for other PHA tenants who paid their utility but are at risk for losing their utility because the other guy didn't pay his bill.

I would argue that in the private home owner setting, that as long as the house itself is CONNECTED to the utility, that home is not a public health or safety issue because the city can order that the utilities be kept on and the building owner assesed the costs of continued service same as the way they will cut your grass for you and charge you if you don't cut it.

In otherwords, the city has a less stringent remedy instead of kicking people out.

Jeff Matiatos; 8:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Chuck, if I am a homeowner and I get behind in my utility bills and
get shut off, I simply vacate my home, stay with someone else until I can scrape up the dough to pay the bill.

Problem is, these city vultures are fee and fine driven and can't stand the very idea that people are human and some times it happens where a guy can't pay his bill. Hence the title of this post
" City without a heart ".

If the utility doesn't report the homeowner to the city, the city never knows that the guy got shut off, and the guy has an out where he can vacate his own home while he scrapes up the dough to get his utility turned back on.

The city should permit a home owner to vacate his home for a specified period of time instead of getting the doors chained shut and abated.

Lets put this exception in the code

Where is the compation ?

Jeff Matiatos; 9:33 AM
Anonymous said...: Jeff

If someone has their utilities shut off for 30 days and they intend to go back to the house, they should appeal the notice and get the power back on before they are in front of council.

You guys have all of the victims of the city, find me one where it was a homeowner whose power was off the house got plackered and then they appealed it to the city ready to put the power back on.

I got $100 to Bob's favorite charity (not the GOP party Bob a real one) if you can find me one person where we can punch up the council tape, that was the story and the city didn't pull the blue tag.

Because that isn't what this is about. These are house with multiple housing code violations that get the bull dozer. I have been in them. I see them almost every day.

I just went through one on Ross today that I would let Tom or Tim live in it looked so bad.

And, as to that $100. I still have that same offer out there for any property in Ward 2 where the owner asked for an extension and didn't get it at least once, under any number of years vacant.

Like I have said you guys have nothing...

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 1:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Get ready Chuck Repke-We are coming!!

The Ricomen; 1:43 PM
Anonymous said...: I have never heard of getting an offered an extension from the city so that I could pay my utility bill to prevent abatement.

Just for repairs etc.

Jeff Matiatos; 3:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Breaker breaker Blue fox leader were ready to engage the target-Sgt.Slaughter get into position we are ready to launch an all out attack!This is it the last stand!We must attack now the city is hearing are chatter.; 3:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Charlie company in position -----over; 3:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Groundhog here.....I have the enemy in sight......waiting for green light......over; 3:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Breaker - Breaker - Fly Tiger to ground......we have a lock and are ready to engage......over.; 4:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Breaker breaker I see charlie company-hold your position-stay calm keep your head down and wait for the order-over

Anybody see private Repke?Wait out he might spin to change the latitude-if you see him engage imediately!; 4:05 PM
Anonymous said...: I think Sgt. Slaughter was transfered overseas and says Europe is the place to be, not St.Paul.; 4:39 PM
Anonymous said...: And Repke thought summary judgement was over.Chuck you were joking right?

Lets hope Dave didn't think it was over too.

Tim Ciani; 4:40 PM
Anonymous said...: I think Repke is taking evasive action.; 8:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Tim

I just read the introduction that Bob posted...

Its over...

They have nothing...

JMONTOMEPPOF

Chuck Repke; 9:14 PM

A DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL

Friday, August 22, 2008

Saint Paul/ A City Without a Heart, 786 E. 7th. Street

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