Board of Appeals

BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING NOTICE AND AGENDA July 21, 2021 CITY HALL 10 N. DIVISION STREET VIA Zoom BATTLE CREEK MI 49014 Call to Order: 1:02pm Roll Call for Board Members: Eric Blair, John Sims, LE Johnson All were present from Battle Creek, MI, other than John Sims, who was in the meeting from Emmet Township MI Staff Members Present: Jason Francisco, Code Compliance Manager; Don Wilkinson, Building Official; Yolanda Johnson, Code Compliance Officer; Angie Hubbard, Secretary All present from Battle Creek MI Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: None Approval of Minutes: Mr. Sims made a motion to approve the April 21, 2021 minutes, seconded by Mr. Johnson. Approved. Dangerous Buildings Show Cause Hearings: a. 12686 Sonoma Rd (House) Building Inspector: Don Wilkinson Property owner, Russell Jewell, present. Don Wilkinson, Building Official, stated the property has been under construction since 2016. The open basement has been an issue for 4 years. Mr. Jewell stated that he purchased the property March 2020. They were going to build a spec house but construction materials are through the roof. He has put a fence over the basement. Wharry Engineering can provide drawings and elevation drawings. Mr. Jewell feels the City is trying to force construction to start. Mr. Wilkinson stated that there have been no plans or permits and a plan of action is required. He stated the owner needs to be making progress. The house was torn down with no permits. Mr. Sims asked if there are utilities at the property. Mr. Jewell stated no. Mr. Wilkinson stated that if no work is being done, the City can remove the foundation. The property needs to be fenced off for safety. Mr. Housing Board of Appeals July 21, 2021 Page 2 of 3 Wilkinson stated the property was affirmed as a Dangerous Building by the Dangerous Building Official. In its current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Sims motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Johnson. Affirmed b. 297 Parish (House) Building Inspector: Don Wilkinson Property owner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Official, stated this is a Calhoun County property. The property was affirmed as a Dangerous Building by the Dangerous Building Official. In its current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Sims motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Johnson. Affirmed c. 285 Parish (House) Building Inspector: Don Wilkinson Property owner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Official, stated this is a Calhoun County property. The property was affirmed as a Dangerous Building by the Dangerous Building Official. In its current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Sims motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Johnson. Affirmed d. 91 Oakhill (House) Building Inspector: Don Wilkinson Property owner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Official, stated the commercial structure was heavily damaged by fire. Several notices have been sent with no response. The property was affirmed as a Dangerous Building by the Dangerous Building Official. In its current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Sims motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Johnson. Affirmed Housing Board of Appeals July 21, 2021 Page 3 of 3 New Business: 58 Hazel (House) Issue #EN21-02049 Compliance Officer: James Belmore Homeowner not present. Jason Francisco stated the appeal was the result of a property survey completed June 3, 2020. Mr. Francisco stated the violations for the property and suggested the findings stand as written. Mr. Sims motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Johnson. 133 Seerorf (House) Issue #EN21-02629 Compliance Officer: James Belmore Homeowner not present. Appeal was the result of a property survey completed June 4, 2020. Mr. Jenkins submitted paperwork with the appeal stating that there are new owners of the property. The female tenant was completely unaware of a Quit Claim deed. Mr. Francisco stated that there has been no progress to complete the necessary repairs. Mr. Blair asked if the QCD was recorded or notarized. Mr. Francisco stated it was not notarized or recorded and the “new owners” were not even aware that they were owners. Mr. Sims motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Johnson. 197 Roseneath Issue #EN21-02114 Compliance Officer: Yolanda Johnson Homeowner, Jose Ramos, was present from Grand Rapids MI Mrs. Johnson stated the Appeal was the result of a property survey completed 4/21/21. The violations were exterior peeling paint and siding, also showing damaged soffit. Mr. Ramos stated that he has purchased paint and siding but needs more time to find a contractor to correct the violations. Mr. Sims suggested a 90 day extension, second by Mr. Johnson. 90 extension granted. Public Comments: None Board and Staff Members Comments: Jason Francisco, Code Compliance Manager, wanted to remind the Board and staff members that all future meetings will be in person. Adjournment: 1:33pm The City of Battle Creek will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered in the meeting upon reasonable notice to the City of Battle Creek. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Battle Creek by writing or calling the following: Vicki Houser, City Clerk 10 N. Division Street Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 (269) 966-3348/Voice/TDD /adh