Board of Appeals

BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING NOTICE AND AGENDA June 15, 2022 CITY HALL 10 N. DIVISION STREET 3RD FLOOR – ROOM 301 BATTLE CREEK MI 49014 Call to Order: 1:00 pm Roll Call for Board Members: John Sims, LE Johnson, Peter Pontoni Staff Members Present: Richard Bolek, Chief Building Official; Yolanda Johnson, Code Compliance Officer; Eric Morris, Code Compliance Officer; Angie Sulak, Secretary Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: 161 Redner Ave Approval of Minutes: Mr. Johnson made a motion to approve the May 18, 2022 minutes, seconded by Mr. Pontoni. Approved. Dangerous Buildings Show Cause Hearings: a. 178 Oneita (House) Issue #EN14-23012 Building Inspector: Don Wilkinson Richard Bolek, Chief Building Official, stated that the property was heavily damaged by fire and was affirmed as a Dangerous Building by the Dangerous Building Official. In its current condition, Mr. Bolek recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Johnson motioned to affirm as written, second by Mr. Pontoni. Affirmed New Business: 1. 52 Ann Ave (House) Issue #EN17-04825 Compliance Officer: Yolanda Johnson Homeowner, not present. Mrs. Johnson stated that the appeal was the result of a rental inspection. There were multiple interior and exterior violations. As the property owner was not present, Mrs. Johnson recommended affirming the order as written. Mr. Johnson motioned to affirm as written, second my Mr. Pontoni. Affirmed 2. 71 Burnham St W (House) Issue #EN22-01117 Compliance Officer: Yolanda Johnson Housing Board of Appeals June 15, 2022 Page 2 of 4 Homeowner, LaDarryl Eady, present. Mrs. Johnson stated the appeal was the result of a property survey completed April 2022, finding exterior violations. Mr. Eady stated that he was homeless for the last 15 months and wasn’t allowed to go into his home. He stated that he had no idea of the condition of the home. A judge granted him permission to enter the home July 2021. He just got a job. Mr. Sims asked if Mr. Eady has made any progress on the repairs to the home. Mr. Eady stated that he needs more time and requested an extension until October. Mrs. Johnson recommended a 30 day extension, stating that the city is willing to work with Mr. Eady to bring the property back into compliance. Mr. Sims explained to Mr. Eady that the city is willing to work with the property owner as long as there is progress made. Mr. Eady stated he can work with that. Mr. Johnson motioned for a 30 day extension, second by Mr. Pontoni. 30 day extension granted. 3. 27 Bidwell E (House) Issue #EN22-00904 Compliance Officer: Yolanda Johnson Homeowner, Mildred Mallard, present. Mrs. Johnson stated there were exterior violations found during a property survey. The gutters and downspouts are in disrepair, which could cause damage to the basement and foundation. Ms. Mallard stated she is trying to recover the property, and that the people living there shouldn’t be. She has started the eviction process, but the court dates keep getting postponed. Ms. Mallard doesn’t want to do any work until they are out. Mrs. Johnson recommended a 30 extension and told Ms. Mallard she will work with her. Mr. Pontoni motioned for a 30 day extension, second by Mr. Johnson. 30 day extension granted. 4. 571 Capital Ave SW (House) Issue #EN22-01894 Compliance Officer: Yolanda Johnson Homeowner, Shannon Lewis, present. Mrs. Johnson stated there were several exterior violations found during the property survey. Mrs. Johnson believes that the homeowner has been working with the Minor Home Repair Program for assistance. Ms. Lewis stated that she is working with that department, and needs to provide them with more information. Mrs. Johnson recommended Ms. Lewis reach out to the Housing Board of Appeals June 15, 2022 Page 3 of 4 Minor Home Repair Program again, and attempt to make the repairs that she can make in the interim. Mr. Johnson motioned for a 30 day extension, second by Mr. Pontoni. 30 day extension granted. 5. 140 Rittenhouse (House) Issue #EN22-05964 Compliance Officer: Eric Morris Homeowner, Donna Bradley, present. Mr. Morris stated that minor exterior violations were found during the property survey. He recommended a 60 day extension. Ms. Bradley stated that she doesn’t have much money and that the roof is also leaking. Mr. Sims stated that Mr. Morris will work with Ms. Bradley while she gets estimates and is making progress. Mr. Pontoni motioned for a 60 day extension, second by Mr. Johnson. 60 day extension granted. 6. 115 Spring St (House) Issue #EN22-06189 Compliance Officer: Eric Morris Homeowner, Ester Teasley, present. Mr. Morris stated that peeling paint and damaged soffit and facia were found during a property survey. Mr. Morris recommended a 60 day extension to make the repairs. Ms. Teasley stated 60 days would be fine. She has been in poor health and is working on it. Mr. Johnson motioned for a 60 day extension, second by Mr. Pontoni. 60 day extension granted. Public Comments: Yvonne Lee, property owner of 52 Ann Ave, arrived late. She wanted to appeal for more time. Mr. Sims stated that her property was affirmed as written and that she was unable to appeal for more time. He told Ms. Lee to make notable progression and work with the code officer. Mr. Johnson stated as long as there is progress, the city will work with you. Mrs. Johnson stated that permits may be needed for some of the repairs, so that will allow for more time. Board and Staff Members Comments: None Adjournment: 1:30 pm Housing Board of Appeals June 15, 2022 Page 4 of 4 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 /ads