Opinion ID: 2072758
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Lien of Schutz Contracting Co., Inc.

Text: Schutz Contracting was under contract for excavation and water and sewer work on the project, and had two subcontracts identical in all relevant respects with those of Hayle, Minnesota Valley, and Stern. The Schutz lien claim involves a complex pattern of extras and retainages totaling $14,472.56 for both contracts. The district court allowed the lien in the full amount, although only one written change order for $3,896.65 was introduced at trial. The Schutz lien must be denied as being untimely filed. The lien statement itself claims November 24, 1971, as the last day of work on the project; the lien was filed on January 13, 1972. The evidence at trial, however, shows that on November 24 Schutz only moved equipment and materials belonging to First Minnesota, which was moving to another jobsite. No work was done on that day which pertained to Schutz' excavating or sewer and water contracts; in fact, a Schutz invoice to First Minnesota dated October 5, 1971, indicates that the contract work was 100 percent complete as of that day. In the absence of evidence showing that contract work was performed by Schutz beyond that date, it must be taken as the final day of work for purposes of Minn.St. 514.08. [1] Incidental work not relating to the project itself, such as the moving of equipment and materials not belonging to the owner, is not sufficient to satisfy the mechanics lien statute. Cf., Anderson v. Breezy Point Estates, 283 Minn. 490, 168 N.W.2d 693 (1969); Kahle v. McClary, 255 Minn. 239, 96 N.W.2d 243 (1959). The Schutz lien was therefore filed beyond the 90-day limit and must be held invalid.