Board of Ordinance Appeals I
Regular MeetingSterling Heights, MI · June 12, 2017
Minutes
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Ordinance Board of Appeals held a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on June 12, 2017 at the Sterling
Heights Municipal Center, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI in the Council Chambers, 586-446-
2360. At this meeting the Board (1) considered variance requests of petitioners and (2) conducted
hearings on abatement of nuisances relating to the property and property owners itemized on the
following agenda.
AGENDA
1. Acting Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
2. Roll Call John Pitrone – Chairman, Juli Sala – Secretary, Robert Ervin,
Benjamin McMartin, Paul Zdzieblowski, Denice Gerstenberg –
City Development Director, Paul Geiger - Code Enforcement Officer,
Dana Vietto – Recording Secretary
3. Report from City Liaison – Denice Gerstenberg
a. All petitioners were notified by first class mail about tonight’s meeting. Remove the following
items from the consent agenda as they have been cleaned up prior to the meeting – G17-
0058, G17-0059, G17-0060, G17-0061, G17-0063, G17-0064, G17-0070 & G17-0081.
b. Presentation from the City Attorney
Don DeNault, City Attorney, was present. Mr. DeNault stated that the Ordinance Board of
Appeals has been asked to review three cases tonight; body art license facility, appeal of a
front yard interpretation and a fence ordinance variance, and an amusement device
distributor license denial. When we get to each case Mr. DeNault will go through each
ordinance requirements. The Board can ask him questions at that time. It is up to the Board
to decide these appeals as an unbiased independent body. It is a due process hearing, so it
gives anybody who has been denied by the City to be heard.
4. Removal of Consent Items to New Business
a. Moved item 16 to New Business 9a. G17-0072 Somberg, Blair H. – 11253 Jacqueline
Drive
b. Moved item 22 to New Business 9b. G17-0078 Shakouri, Sinan – 35574 Shell Drive
5. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Ervin, supported by McMartin, to approve agenda
Yes: All. Motion carried.
6. Consent Agenda
Moved by Ervin, supported by McMartin, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda
as amended:
1. To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 24, 2017, as presented.
2. G17-0062 7750 Metro, LLC – 7750 Metropolitan Parkway
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 7750 Metropolitan Parkway and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations
identified in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The
Board also authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the
amount of the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable
city ordinance.
3. G17-0065 Geralt, Tara R. – 11061 Mandale Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 11061 Mandale Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
4. G17-0066 Wells Fargo Bank – 33223 Morrison Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 33223 Morrison Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
Ordinance Board of Appeals June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting Page 2
5. G17-0067 Molnar, Robert J. – 14143 Valusek Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 14143 Valusek Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
6. G17-0068 Green, Merle Jean – 38765 Covington Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 38765 Covington Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations
identified in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The
Board also authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the
amount of the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable
city ordinance.
7. G17-0069 Zaky, EZ – 37480 Ryan Road
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 37480 Ryan Road and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified in
the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
8. G17-0071 Lannoo, George & Alice – 40614 Colony Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 40614 Colony Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
9. G17-0073 Shaba, Jennifer – 39705 Mound Road
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 39705 Mound Road and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
10. G17-0074 Nouri, Labeed & Btros, Rouwaida – 3142 Albany Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 3142 Albany Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified in
the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
11. G17-0075 Simkus, Michael Jeorge – 2854 Belcher Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 2854 Belcher Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified in
the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
12. G17-0076 Shamoon, Wadie & Sahira – 36014 English Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 36014 English Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
Ordinance Board of Appeals June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting Page 3
13. G17-0077 Alysofi, Abdulla – 37711 Hanson Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 37711 Hanson Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
14. G17-0079 Pola Properties, LLC – 38282 Steede Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 38282 Steede Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
15. G17-0080 Mann, Steven Edward & Huntington National Bank – 8962 Cologne Drive
RESOLVED, to declare that a public nuisance exists on the property commonly known
as 8962 Cologne Drive and to direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified
in the attached staff reports which give rise to this finding immediately. The Board also
authorizes and approves the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of
the cost of abatement incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city
ordinance.
7. Public Hearing
a. G17-0054 Burke, Brandon – 43755 Van Dyke
City License Denial- Asking Board to reconsider the denial of his City License.
Brandon Burke, owner, was present. Mr. Burke stated that when he was filling out his
application for his license he did sign to the best of his knowledge that he did not have
a criminal act in the past 5 years. Mr. Burke stated that he thought he was past the five
years. The body art facility is his life. He is asking the Board to reconsider. He has his
state and federal license. They do a number of different Art forms. Tattooing is the
staple. Mr. Burke stated that he is just trying to get his license to work to support his
family and workers. He does a lot of charity work for the community.
Don DeNault stated that as the petitioner explained this is an administrative denial of
an application to have a body art facility license in the City of Sterling Heights. A
number of years ago the City put in an ordinance to regulate body art facilities. It is
actually a permit that the City issues. At the time the ordinance was drafted it was
meant to be strict. One of the denial reasons is if you plead to or were convicted to any
crime during the five years prior to the date that you submit your application to the City.
The City Clerk had no choice but to deny. The ordinance does allow an appeal to this
Board. The Board has two options. The Board can overturn the denial and was an
error or the Board can grant a variance from whatever provision it was that lead to the
denial. The ordinance states that you can’t relax, overturn, or grant a variance if the
denial is based upon the occurrence of a criminal act. The Boards only charge is was
the denial based upon the occurrence of a criminal act or was it based upon something
else. If it was based upon something else the Board could grant a variance and direct
the City Administration to issue the permit. If it was based upon the occurrence of a
criminal act the Board would be restricted by the ordinance to not grant a variance or
overturn the denial. Mr. DeNault stated that he can take any questions at this time.
Mr. Pitrone stated that if the denial was due to a criminal act the Board can’t do
anything. Mr. DeNault stated that the petitioner stated that he has a misdemeanor
crime and because of that the City Clerk denied the permit. The ordinance says plead
to or convicted of any crime during the five years prior. The only room for the Board is
does the Board aquat a plea to or conviction of with the occurrence of a criminal act.
The standard for the City Clerk was plead to or convicted of. The standard for the
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Regular Meeting Page 4
Board is was the denial based on a criminal act or was it based on something else. If it
was based on something else than the Board can determine if a variance is
appropriate. Mr. Pitrone asked Mr. DeNault if a speeding ticket is a criminal act. Mr.
DeNault stated, “No.” A speeding ticket is a civil infraction. Mr. Ervin asked if the
petitioner is denied tonight what would be next for the petitioner. Mr. DeNault stated
that his administrative options would be exhausted and his last forum would be the
Macomb
County Court. Mr. Pitrone asked what the date of the occurrence of the criminal act
was. Melanie Ryska, City Clerk, stated that the conviction date was January 4th 2013.
Ms. Gerstenberg asked Mr. DeNault if there is an interpretation of criminal acts and if it
is based on the conviction date can he apply for a new permit on January 4th 2018. Mr.
DeNault stated that the City Clerk talked to the petitioner about waiting until January
because the ordinance states if you have ever been denied in Sterling Heights you can
never apply again. If he is denied here tonight he is not allowed to have a body art
facility in the City of Sterling Heights. Ms. Ryska has found that the arrest occurred in
June of 2012.
Mr. Sala asked Mr. DeNault if the ordinance is the date of the criminal act or the date of
the conviction. Mr. DeNault stated the City Clerks job is to go five years from the
conviction date. The Boards job is to determine if the denial was based upon the
occurrence of a criminal act. That gives the Board some flexibility in determining was
the denial based on a criminal act petitioner committed or was it based on the fact that
he was conviction on a certain day. If you want to make that distinction as a Board you
can or are they one in the same. Mr. Zdzieblowski asked Mr. DeNault if the petitioner
can still withdraw his appeal tonight. Mr. DeNault stated that he could only withdraw
the appeal tonight and the denial would still exist. Mr. Sala asked if the Board could
postpone until January. Mr. DeNault stated that the Board can postpone to a future
date. Mr. Pitrone asked Mr. Burke if he knows what date the criminal act took place.
Mr. Burke thought the date was around June 12th 2012 around 7:00pm. Mr. Burke
stated that the point of him doing this appeal is to open his business he can’t wait until
January or his whole business will fall. If he can’t get the appeal then he can’t survive.
Mr. Sala stated that if the Board postpones for two weeks they would be past the five
years and can the Board say that the denial is no longer based on a criminal act
because it is past that five year mark. Mr. DeNault stated that the ordinance states was
the denial based on the occurrence of a criminal act. If the denial was not based on a
criminal act then you can grant a variance. Mr. DeNault stated that the criminal act
took place in June of 2012 and the conviction took place on January 4th 2013. The
denial from the City Clerk’s office was on April 28th 2017. Mr. DeNault stated that it was
denied because of a conviction of a criminal act not for the occurrence of a criminal act
in the last five years. Mr. McMartin asked Mr. DeNault if the Board could grant a
variance to go into effect in July 2017. Mr. DeNault stated, “Yes.” Mr. Pitrone clarified
that he was denied the permit because of a misdemeanor conviction and this Board
could look at the criminal act itself.
Moved by McMartin, supported by Ervin, RESOLVED, to GRANT a variance to the
rdinance
provision requiring denial due to a criminal act during the five years prior to
date of the permit application starting June 2012 so that the permit may be issued, for the
reason that the denial was not based on the occurrence of any criminal acts within five
years and because exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions are
applicable to the applicant and granting the permit will not have a material adverse effect
upon the health, safety, or welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood or
attending the body art facility and will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to the immediate neighborhood or the City at large. The following conditions shall
apply to the body art facility permit: The variance is not in effect until June 30, 2017.
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski.
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
b. G17-0055 Dehondt, Thomas – 3777 Lisa Marie Drive
Appeal of Zoning Ordinance & Fence Variance – Appeal the Planning/Building
departments interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance with respect to the “Front Yard”
definition. If necessary request a variance to allow the placement of a 6 foot wood non-
Ordinance Board of Appeals June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting Page 5
sight obscuring garden fence in the front yard.
Thomas Dehondt, owner, was present. Mr. Dehondt stated that he has raised a garden
on 1.5 acres and struggles with deer. His daughter has a landscape fence that he
wants to put on his property. Mr. Dehondt stated that the building department said that
the fence has to be located behind the house. The ordinance states that a fence,
including one of sight obscuring design, may be erected upon any side or rear lot line
and along the front yard setback line, provided the fence is not less than three feet nor
more than six feet above
grade level at any location, and provided further that adequate access for firefighting is
provided. Fences are not permitted to extend into the front yard. The City of Sterling
Heights definition of a front yard is an open space extending the full width of the lot, the
depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and the
nearest point on the main building.
Mr. Dehondt stated that his distance from the front lot line is 31.35 feet. He is disputing
the point of reference. He was told to make his reference line perpendicular to his lot
line. The building department is using a standard form based on a straight front line
yard. The ordinance references the front lot line. The building department is
misinterpreting the zoning ordinance and if that is denied than he would like to request
a variance to build the fence in that location. Mr. Pitrone asked what the size the fence
will be. Mr. Dehondt stated that the fence would be 30 by 52 and 6 feet high. This type
of fence is to keep the deer out. Ms. Gerstenberg stated that the building and planning
department are aware of the type of fence and don’t have a problem with it. Mr. Ervin
asked Mr. Dehondt if the lot will be developed. Mr. Dehondt stated that he would have
to acquire more property to develop something. Mr. Sala stated that he is not
comfortable with redefining the interpretation of the front yard but would do a variance
for extraordinary circumstances because of how the lot is. Mr. Dehondt asked if he
could get an interpretation from the City level not just from an individual. Mr. Pitrone
stated that he would need to speak to the administration. Mr. Pitrone stated that if he
needed additional fencing in the future he would need to apply for a variance. Mr.
DeNault stated that if the Board was to accept the interpretation of the front yard by Mr.
Dehondt than going forward that would be his interpretation of his property. The Board
could decide to decline his interpretation and decide for a variance. It is important that
the Board makes a decision on both. Make a decision on the interpretation and then a
decision on the variance. The variance would be limited to the facts that were brought
to the Board this evening it could not be changed.
Moved by Sala, supported by McMartin, RESOLVED, to Deny the appeal because the
proposed fence location is in the front yard of the property.
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski.
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Moved by Sala, supported by Zdzieblowski, RESOLVED, to GRANT a variance to the
ordinance provision prohibiting a fence in the front yard of the property for the reason
that allowing the fence will be in harmony with the spirit of the fence ordinance; the
public safety and welfare will be secured; substantial justice will be done; exceptional or
extraordinary circumstances or conditions are applicable to the property that do not
apply generally to other properties in the City; the variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right possessed by other
properties in the vicinity; the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the
public welfare or materially injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity of
the property; and the granting of the variance will not adversely affect the purposes or
objectives of the City’s Master Plan
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski.
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
c. G17-0056 Palaian, Steven/Nuway Vending –4043 Seventeen Mile Road & 40860 Van
Dyke
Distributor License Denial – Appealing the denial of his distributor license
Steven Palaian, owner, was present. Mr. Palaian stated that he is an amusement
Ordinance Board of Appeals June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting Page 6
device operator and has been in Sterling Heights for twenty years. He applies for the
amusement device license every year. On the application he omitted his conviction
record. His daughter filled out the application and he signed it. The police officer called
him and said they did a background check on him and asked if he had any convictions
and he told the officer that he did have a conviction. He was denied the license. It
looks like he lied on the application and he made a mistake. Mr. Palaian stated that he
has not been in any trouble. He has been on probation since June 13, 2014 and has
paid all his fines.
Mr. DeNault stated that this appeal is different it is a discretionary denial. Amusement
device distributors are someone or businesses who place the amusement devices in a
local business. A distributor has to get a license to place in the City. Our ordinance
regulates our distributors and businesses with amusement devices. They have to get a
license from the City to place these devices in our City. The Chief of Police does a
background check and determines a recommendation to the City Clerk as to whether
they should get a license or be denied. This particular case the Chief of Police
discovered that this individual had a criminal conviction of conducting a criminal
enterprise. It involved some type of gambling or moral turpitude event and when those
things are place the Chief of Police can recommend denial if it took place in the last ten
years. The Chief of Police did that and the City Clerk shall deny unless it is something
that can be fixed. The ordinance states that the petitioner can seek a variance. In
order to do that the petitioner must prove that special conditions cause literal
enforcement of the provision of the ordinance to cause practical difficulties or cause
impractical hardships. If you find that to be true than the Board has the power to modify
the provisions of the ordinance in unique circumstances with any conditions or
safeguards that the Board reasonably determines with harmony and spirit with the
ordinance but still securing the public safety and welfare throughout the community.
The Board must look at three criteria and they all must exist for a variance to be
granted.
Mr. Pitrone asked if the criminal conviction happened in the last 10 years. Mr. DeNault
stated that it was July 16th 2012. The report stated that the machines were supplied to
a bar that was used for illegal gambling. Mr. Palaian stated that he was charged with
attempted gambling and not conducting a criminal enterprise. Mr. Zdzieblowski asked
Mr. Palaian if there was a plea bargain. Mr. Palaian stated that there was a plea
bargain, they started with conducting a criminal enterprise and brought it down to
attempted gambling. He got fines and probation and has not had any problems since.
There was a sweep in Flint by the Michigan Gaming Control Board and he had one
machine in Flint. Mr. Pitrone asked Mr. Palaian to explain to the Board why a variance
should be granted. Mr. Palaian stated that he has done business in Sterling Heights for
a long time. It is a hardship not to do business. He stated that it won’t put him out of
business not doing business in Sterling Heights. He would like to do business in
Sterling Heights. He has had a good record since then. Mr. Pitrone stated that the
letter he provided to the Board stated that he would like to have his wife apply for the
license. Mr. DeNault stated that he would have to transfer the business to the wife
because it would still be Nu-Way vending applying which would be denied. Mr. Sala
stated that in four applications he stated that he had no criminal history.
Moved by Ervin, supported by Zdzieblowski, RESOLVED, to DENY the appeal and
DENY a variance for the following reasons
□ The applicant has not demonstrated special conditions that would cause practical
difficulties or unnecessary hardships for the applicant due to a literal enforcement of the
provisions of the ordinance.
□ Issuing the license would not be in harmony with the spirit of the ordinance.
□ Issuing the license would not secure the public safety and welfare.
□ The applicant has not established by a preponderance of the evidence that exceptional
or extraordinary circumstances are applicable to the applicant that do not apply
generally to other similar applicants.
□ Issuing the license will adversely affect the purposes or objectives of the City’s Master
Plan.
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski.
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
Ordinance Board of Appeals June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting Page 7
d. G17-0057 Schaffner, Jessica E. – 36809 Manning Court
Fence Variance- Asking Board approval to allow a 6ft white Vinyl sight obscuring fence
on a corner lot 3 feet back from the sidewalk along Leech Drive.
Jessica Schaffner, owner, was present. Ms. Schaffner stated that she wants to replace
the existing chain link fence with a white vinyl fence. She was unaware that the side
yard is considered a front yard. The fence has 60 feet of frontage. She removed the
shrubbery to enhance the visibility. Mr. Pitrone stated that he drove by the property
and didn’t see an issue but doesn’t like white fences. Ms. Schaffner stated that if the
variance is not approved
she will lose $4000.00. Mr. Pitrone stated that the Board is not allowed to consider
finances. Mr. McMartin stated that he likes the white fence. The neighbors stated that
they live next door and she is a considerate neighbor and there is no safety issue.
Moved by Zdzieblowski, supported by McMartin, RESOLVED, to approve case G17-
0057 at 36809 Manning Court with the following conditions: 1 – that the petitioner
agrees to abide by and comply with all applicable rules and regulations and orders of
every lawful agency or governing authority having jurisdiction, 2 – that the decision of
the Board will remain valid and in force only as long as the facts and information
presented to the Board in public hearing are found to be correct and that the conditions
upon which the motion is based are maintained as presented to the Board.
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski.
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
8. Old Business
9. New Business
a. G17-0072 Somberg, Blair H. – 11253 Jacqueline Drive
Code Enforcement Officer, Paul Geiger, stated as of today there were some changes to
the property. Pictures were shown at this time.
Nicholas Somberg, owners’ son, was present. Mr. Somberg stated that everything has
been cleaned up and nothing is being stored. The weeds are petty and he is not even
going to address it. Mr. Somberg asked if the code enforcement officer was here
tonight. Mr. Geiger stated that it is Craig Serafino’s case. Mr. Somberg stated that the
code enforcement officer should be here tonight and this is hear say. Mr. Pitrone went
through the pictures again and asked if everything was removed. Mr. Somberg stated
that his tenant is here and he can address that. Mr. Somberg asked them to stay out of
his fathers’ back yard and leave them alone. Mr. Somberg asked if they had
permission to enter his property or did they trespass. He stated that he was told to be
here at 7 pm it is now 8:30 pm and this is unacceptable. Mr. Pitrone stated that he
heard the long cases that we had tonight. Mr. Somberg stated that “if they are going to
have him be here then he needs a private meeting. He is not going to sit there while
the Board dilly dallies with the whole City.” Mr. Pitrone stated that Mr. Somberg is
saying that everything is all cleaned up then the Board can take whatever action they
deem appropriate. If it is all cleaned up there will be nothing to do. Mr. McMartin
stated to Mr. Somberg that he has seen the pictures here today and has been out to the
property. The Board will close it out today and it will be an immediate abatement. Mr.
Somberg stated that the City put a sign out in their yard and wanted to know if that is
improperly storing. Mr. McMartin stated that the sign is a notice. Mr. Somberg stated
that a notice would be by mail or personal service. Mr. Somberg stated that they
trespassed and then trespassed again by placing a sign in their yard and broke our own
ordinance by its storage. Mr. Somberg told the Board to, “Stop it, seriously.” Mr.
Somberg stated “no signs and stay out of their backyard, leave private property alone,
no pictures and no sneaking around.” Mr. Somberg stated that their neighbor has his
own issues. Mr. Somberg stated that if the Board is going to call him here or his dad
then he wants to be at 7:00pm and number one on the agenda or give him a private
meeting. Mr. Zdzieblowski stated that he feels threatened by the gentleman. Mr.
Somberg said, “Snowflake and it is slanderous.”
Moved by Sala, supported by Zdzieblowski, RESOLVED, to declare that a public
nuisance exists on the property commonly known as 11253 Jacqueline Drive and to
direct the Code Official to abate the violations identified in the attached staff reports,
which give rise to this finding immediatley. The Board also authorizes and approves
Ordinance Board of Appeals June 12, 2017
Regular Meeting Page 8
the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of the cost of abatement
incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city ordinance.
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
b. G17-0078 Shakouri, Sinan – 35574 Shell Drive
Code Enforcement Officer, Paul Geiger, stated as of today there were some changes to
the property. Pictures were shown at this time.
Sinan Shakouri, owner, was present. Mr. Shakouri stated that when he is told what to
fix he fixes it. Mr. Pitrone stated that there is a little bit to fix and how long will it take.
Mr. Shakouri stated that he needs a week. Mr. Pitrone stated that if he has questions
he can call the City.
Moved by McMartin, supported by Zdzieblowski, RESOLVED, to declare that a public
nuisance exists on the property commonly known as 35574 Shell Drive and to direct
the Code Official to abate the violations identified in the attached staff reports, which
give rise to this finding after June 19, 2017. The Board also authorizes and approves
the imposition of a lien against the property, in the amount of the cost of abatement
incurred by the City, as permitted by the applicable city ordinance.
Yes: Ervin, McMartin, Pitrone, Sala, Zdzieblowski.
No: None. Absent: None. Motion carried.
9. Public Participation
10. Adjournment
Motion by McMartin, supported by Ervin to adjourn the meeting.
Yes: All. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 pm
Respectfully submitted.
John Pitrone Juli Sala
John Pitrone - Chairman Juli Sala - Secretary
Ordinance Board of Appeals Ordinance Board of
Appeals
Agenda
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Ordinance Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017 at the
Sterling Heights Municipal Center, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI in the Council Chambers,
586-446-2360. At this meeting the Board will (1) consider variance requests of petitioners and (2)
conduct hearings on abatement of nuisances relating to the property and property owners itemized on
the following agenda.
*It is absolutely imperative that you are here before 7:00 p.m. if you intend to speak about a
property.*
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Report from City Liaison
a. Presentation from the City Attorney
4. Removal of Consent Items to New Business
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Consent Agenda
1. Approval of the Minutes
Regular Meeting of April 24, 2017
2. G17-0058 Miller, Cynthia M. – 37806 Erna Drive
3. G17-0059 SVM Incorporated – 35155 Mound Road
4. G17-0060 Rodino, Anthony L. – 14717 Howell Court
5. G17-0061 Martines, Frank R. – 14611 Joanise Drive
6. G17-0062 7750 Metro, LLC – 7750 Metropolitan Parkway
7. G17-0063 Mound Road Commerce Center – 34800 Mound Road
8. G17-0064 Gangopadhyay, R. & Chakrabarti, S. – 34443 Giannetti Drive
9. G17-0065 Geralt, Tara R. – 11061 Mandale Drive
10. G17-0066 Wells Fargo Bank – 33223 Morrison Drive
11. G17-0067 Molnar, Robert J. – 14143 Valusek Drive
12. G17-0068 Green, Merle Jean – 38765 Covington Drive
13. G17-0069 Zaky, EZ – 37480 Ryan Road
14. G17-0070 Stag #1, LLC – 42560 Van Dyke
15. G17-0071 Lannoo, George & Alice – 40614 Colony Drive
16. G17-0072 Somberg, Blair H. – 11253 Jacqueline Drive
17. G17-0073 Shaba, Jennifer – 39705 Mound Road
18. G17-0074 Nouri, Labeed & Btros, Rouwaida – 3142 Albany Drive
19. G17-0075 Simkus, Michael Jeorge – 2854 Belcher Drive
20. G17-0076 Shamoon, Wadie & Sahira – 36014 English Drive
21. G17-0077 Alysofi, Abdulla – 37711 Hanson Drive
22. G17-0078 Shakouri, Sinan – 35574 Shell Drive
23. G17-0079 Pola Properties, LLC – 38282 Steede Drive
24. G17-0080 Mann, Steven Edward & Huntington National Bank – 8962 Cologne Drive
25. G17-0081 Sadgil Properties Management – 11399 Farthing Drive
7. Public Hearings
a. G17-0054 Burke, Brandon – 43755 Van Dyke
City License Denial- Asking Board to reconsider the denial of his City
License.
b. G17-0055 Dehondt, Thomas – 3777 Lisa Marie Drive
Appeal of Zoning Ordinance & Fence Variance – Appeal the
Planning/Building departments interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance with
respect to the
“Front Yard” definition. If necessary request a variance to allow the
placement of a 6 foot wood non-sight obscuring garden fence in the front
yard.
c. G17-0056 Palaian, Steven/Nuway Vending – 4043 Seventeen Mile Road & 40860
Van Dyke
Distributor License Denial – Appealing the denial of his distributor license
d. G17-0057 Schaffner, Jessica E. – 36809 Manning Court
Fence Variance- Asking Board approval to allow a 6ft white Vinyl sight
obscuring fence on a corner lot 3 feet back from the sidewalk along Leech
Drive.
8. Old Business
9. New Business
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
10. Public Participation
11. Adjournment
All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard relating to the agenda items. With
respect to nuisance abatement hearings, the property owner, Code Enforcement Officer, or any other
interested party may present testimony at the hearing as to whether any condition located upon the
property constitutes a nuisance and whether the City should abate the nuisance. If the Board
determines that the conditions constitute a nuisance, the Board may order that the City abate the
nuisance with the cost of abatement to become a lien against the owner’s real property collectable in
the same manner as real property taxes. Questions re: this agenda can be directed to 586-446-2360.
The City will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities
at the meeting upon 7 days notice to the Community Relations Office at 446-2470.
PLEASE NOTE: MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PLEASE ENTER AT THE NORTH ENTRANCE DOORS
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