HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-13 OPH Follow Up Ltr to Property Manager Re Parking Garage Storage CITY OF
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� OAK PARK HEIGHTS
14168 Oak Park Boulevard North • Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 • Phone:651/4394439 • Fax:651/439-0574
February 13, 2023
Mr. Bob MacDonald
Cedar Management
7260 University Ave. NE, Ste. 200
Fridley, MN 55432
Re: Parking Garage Storage @ 6201 St. Croix Trail N.
Bob,
Thank you for meeting me and Assistant Fire Chief Jason Severson this past Friday to review
and address your concern with the storage in the underground parking area, that is not fire
sprinklered.
Per our conversation the following should be noted:
• Storage around the unit heaters shall be removed and/or set back to a minimum clearance
as defined by Modine for the unit model. You should be able to locate the specs for the
clearance requirements based on the model of the unit.
• All vents and duct areas shall be kept clear of storage so that they are accessible and free
of obstruction.
• All penetrations, such as the holes and pipe penetrations at the far wall shall be sealed
with fire caulk or alternately accepted materials as per the 2020 MN Fire Code.
• The lids to the trash/recycling containers should be closed to reduce potential spread of
any combustion. The containers are near the garage door opening and are situated
beneath a ceiling that has had foam insulation applied to it. You noted accessibility for
tenants to the containers as an issue for some. It is suggested that you reach out to your
refuse hauler to see if another container style may be available.
o The fire extinguisher at the outside wall, located near the containers, is'set back so
that it is behind the containers. If the containers are not situated differently,
relocated or similarly altered, it is suggested that the fire extinguisher be relocated
toward the front of them or other nearby location for quick access in the event of
need.
Tree City U.S.A.
• Fire extinguishers should all be in current, serviceable operation. Please remove any
secondary extinguishers from fire extinguisher locations to avoid confusion in the case of
operational needs.
• Clear labels, arrows and other directional clues should be placed so that anyone can
quickly located a fire extinguisher for use if the event it is needed.
Generally speaking, the private garage appears to be housing items that one would typically find
in a private garage space. If greater restrictions to the parking garage storage are desired, the
HOA Board should discuss that and implement through their HOA process.
A couple of suggestions during our conversation were:
1. Make your residents aware of opportunities to recycle paint, solvents and such or dispose
of them properly. One terrific source is the Washington County Environmental Center in
Cottage Grove. I have noted their web link below and have also included that in my
email of this letter to you, along with a copy of their mentioned Helpful Resources.
Web Link: https://www.co.washington.mn.us/604/Environmental-Center
2. Should the HOA Board wish to visit storage restrictions,please consider where those
stored items will ultimately be relocated with the big pictures toward safety for everyone.
3. You may wish to host an event for your residents with regard to proper operation of fire
extinguishers. I am sure Assistant Fire Chief Severson would be happy to coordinate
something like this with you folks.
I hope that our meeting provided you with some helpful information and suggestions regarding
the storage concerns at the parking garage. I welcome you to reach out anytime.
Sincerely,
PLANNING & CODE ENFORCEMENT
Juli ultman,
Building Official
Enclosures
c: Jason Severson, BFD Assistant Fire Chief
Eric Johnson, City Administrator