White Bear Lake City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Hazardous Property Abatement
Food Scrap Pickup Program Launch
Upcoming Community Events
Votes (1)
Order of Abatement of Hazardous Property at 1966 3rd Street
Dissent: None
Moved by Council member Walsh [0:23:00] · Seconded by Council member Angstrand [0:23:23]
The council reviewed the history of a blighted property at 1966 3rd Street, noting over 39 police calls since October 2024 and extensive internal damage rendering it uninhabitable. Building Official Ben Aen detailed the property's condition (no power, heat, damaged interior, altered electrical) and the owner's non-compliance with a January 2026 order to repair. City Attorney Lindal explained the legal process under Statute 463, which involves serving a lawsuit to the owner and lien holders, allowing a period (up to 60 days) for the owner to comply, sell, or demolish the property before the city seeks a court order for demolition. Concerns about neighbor distress, safety risks (break-ins, first responder safety), and the city's prior unsuccessful attempts to secure the property were discussed. Council members expressed reluctance due to private property rights but supported the escalation given the circumstances and staff's efforts.
Notable Quotes (5)
What we're wanting to do is proceed to court and uh pursue a hazardous building abatement procedure under statute 463. Uh if we prevail in that, the court would likely give us the authority to tear down the house.
This is just what staff feels is the logical next step in that we've had discussions with the property owner um over an extended period of time greater than six months about the conditions of the property and how to correct them.
It sounds like the city has done everything they can to um at this point be able to set this right so that the house is habitable again. Um and I'm just yeah I I would support um moving forward to try to see what we can do legally about this.
I I do think it's a big deal. This is this is private property. I I I I'm not eager to do this. This is I am hesitant to do it. I hope I think what we're doing is escalating and I appreciate the efforts that have already been made by city and staff.
Realistically, um, the quickest that the city would obtain any sort of order would be a few months from now, just because we're also at the mercy then of a district court docket and, um, a judge, uh, and their calendar and and getting in front of them and issuing an order.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
The specific document considered for adopting the abatement order.
Draft order of abatement prepared by staff.
Minnesota statute governing hazardous building abatement procedures.
A contractor began roof work without a permit at 1966 3rd Street.
Provision in the Department of Labor's provisions stating unsafe homes must be abated, repaired, or demolished.