Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee - Regular Meeting

Okay. Good morning, everyone. My name is Vincent Bobbitt. I'm the chair of the Administrative Review Board of Appeals. This is the hearing set for 03/19/2026. As is our procedure, I'll just briefly go over it. The city always starts out the hearing, giving us an explanation of why those charges that are filing against the appellant are reasonable and according to the city ordinance. The appellant then will have an opportunity to question city witnesses as well as board members will question them. Then the appellant gets an opportunity to explain their case to the board. At this time, I'm going to welcome other board members that are with me.

And let's call case number 26005, the appeal of Charlie Clark, Prairie Park LLC for tall grass and weeds business fees for 8413 North 99th Street. Is mister Clark with us? Is mister Clark are you with us? Is mister Clark in the audience?

No, sir.

Okay. We'll pass this one slightly. Let's see if mister Clark does come back at a later time. We always wait about fifteen, twenty minutes. At this time, I'll call case number number two, the appeal of Mildred Ortiz for overhanging branches. Nuisance fees of $30.16 must

in the camera.

Who who's Mister Arina, are you able to, mute your your mic, please? Thank you.

At this time, I'm gonna recall number two, the appeal of Mildred Ortiz for overhanging branches nuisance fees. $30.16 with Saint Paul.

They are coming to the table, sir.

Well, thank you so much. Good morning, miss Ortiz. Can you hear me?

Yes. My name is Yvette Prather. Mildred Ortiz is my mother. I'm here on her behalf.

So your mother is not here?

No. Uh-uh. She's 87 years old, and she's a heart patient, and she can hardly hear, so I came on her BI.

Normally, our procedure is that

You wouldn't be able to hear.

Yeah. We're we normally do not she would have to hire an attorney.

She would have to hire an attorney?

Yes.

It's not her tree. She's been charged for a tree that's not even her property. So she's being charged for something not hers, and now she's supposed to pay more for something that shouldn't have been done in the first place because somebody didn't recognize the tree didn't belong to the property that was overhanging. This tree is hanging across two properties. It's hanging across her property over to the property or I have a video of the tree.

Can I see that? Hold on a minute, sir. Who's representing the city on this case?

I am Ben Brennan, City Marquee Forestry.

Mister Brennan, could you give your telephone number to the appellant's daughter?

Yes, sir.

And then we're gonna we're gonna pass the case and set it for a future date if it can't be resolved Because it is our policy that we always require some attorney or somebody other than that to represent miss Ortiz. Do you have a pencil and paper handy, sir?

Yeah. Yeah. We yeah. What's the number?

Otherwise, I I don't know if this makes more sense, but I could give like, I have their contact information. I can reach out to them as well. Okay. You want the number? Sure. (414) 286-3042.

4286. 3042.

What was that? And is this mister Branham?

This is.

So we can't go in and talk to this guy because this is crazy. It's not her trait.

Okay. Well, mister Brennan's gonna get to the bottom of this. Okay, sir? Yeah.

Because I it is it's impossible for someone not to recognize that this doesn't belong to 36 feet. It's it's from thirty ten, thirty twelve. Okay. It goes across her yard, across her yard to the next yard, and across her yard to the fence out into the alley. They cut the tree branch in the alley and they're trying to charge this woman while she's in the house being 87. Now you don't wanna start ever getting an attorney to cover the actual Well somebody who's incompetent. They can't recognize who owns the

Okay. Well, at this time at this time, sir, I'm gonna entertain a motion to call to hold this matter for call of the chair. Do I have that motion?

I don't know what that means. This is the first time I've

done that. This is a parliamentary procedure by our board. I'm asking one of our board members to give me a motion to hold us for the call of the chair so we can reset it at a later date if necessary.

Mister chair? I would would would move that we hold this case, for the call of the chair to be, resolved either outside of these proceedings or in another date.

You have a motion by mister Yandel. Do I have a second?

Second. I'll second.

A second by Ms. Hammer. Any opposition? Hearing none so ordered. We are now gonna go to number three, the appeal of Iqbal Kharkotra and Jagdish Kumar Patel, Tallgrass and nuisance fees at $61.54 South thirteenth. Who's here for that case on the behalf of the the appellant?

I have

to get back

to this.

I'm showing him. Oh, just a sec.

When you this is when you talk to yeah.

When you

talk to mister

I haven't shown that. Okay. Let's let's you please look at it?

This is the tree in the Le Bijan, and they go over.

This is Is it

It should be pretty easy. It is

Yeah. Is Wilcher Patel in the audience? So

when you show them that,

it should make a lot sense. No, mister chair.

Okay. At this time, I'm gonna entertain a motion to deny for nonappearance. Do I have that motion?

It'll be alright. 9,100 billboard. Mr. Chair, I move to deny.

I have a motion by, Ms. Hammer to deny it for non appearance. Do I have a second?

Chair, I second.

Second by mister Yandell. Any object any objections? Hearing none, so ordered.

Thank you.

When he will call.

K. At this time, we're gonna go to number four, the appeal of Joseph a Rice, Shaggy Dog LLC for snow removal fees at fifteen forty seven North Astor. Is Joseph Rice here for Shaggy Dog? Okay. At this time, I'm gonna entertain a motion to deny for non appearance. Do I have that motion?

Mister chair?

Yes? Mister Rice should be on the board.

Hey, mister Rice. Are you there? We have a pretty full board, so I I don't see Rice on the board. Joseph Rice, are you with us? Which which number would he be on the board?

I couldn't tell you because I yeah.

Joanne, I think you were looking at a Michael Rice. He had come on before.

My apologies, mister chair. Thank you, miss Hammer.

Okay. At this time, I'm entertain him.

Did you call him Michael Rice?

I'm calling Joseph Rice.

Okay. No. I heard the lady say Michael Rice. Okay. I'm number 25 in the queue.

Okay. At this time, I'll entertain a motion for nonappearance. Do I have that motion?

Mr. Chair, I'll move to deny.

Motion to deny by board member Hammer. Do I have a second?

Second.

I have a second by Mr. Yandell. Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. We're going to number five, the appeal of Brill Jorgensen for snow removal fees at 9625 West Metcalf Place. Is Bernal Jose Jorgensen with us? At this time, I'll entertain a motion for denial for non appearance. Do I have that motion?

Mr. Chair.

Mr. Yandell.

I would move to deny for nonappearance.

I have a motion by Mr. Yandell to deny for nonappearance. Do I have a second?

I'll second.

Second by Ms. Hammer. Any objections to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered. Going to number six, the appeal of James Raymond. Personal removal fees at 2904 West South Mavitt. Is James Raymond and Marissa Raymond with us?

Yes. I'm here.

Okay. Do you wanna activate activate your visual?

Good morning.

Good morning. Is it just you that are with us this morning, mister Raymonds?

Yes. My wife's working. Okay.

Who is appearing for the city?

I'm Brandon City Monkey Forestry.

Okay. At this time, mister Raymonds, I'm gonna ask you, mister Brandon Brandon, to raise your right hand so we can swear you in.

It's only a crime under the pains and penalties of perjury in the state of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Mister Reyes, did you say yes?

Yes.

Okay. Thank you. Okay. Mister Brannen, you may proceed.

Okay. File number 26014 for the address at 2904 South Mabbat Avenue. This was a city violation record, PWCFDash25Dash10966. The property was inspected and cited for a snow sidewalk snow violation on 12/15/2025. Snow violations are sent same day to contractor.

So on 12/15, contractors were alerted. And on 12/15/2025, the sidewalk was cleared by a city contractor. Fees associated with this are a $50 posting fee, $140 contract fee, contractor fee, admin fee of $75, $15.05 per tax for a total of $20.80 or two hundred and eighty dollars and five cents. Included in the file are the inspection photos as well as the contractor's before and after photos.

Mister Raymonds, have you had an opportunity to see the photos that were presented to the board regarding the violation?

Yep. I reviewed them.

Okay. Do you have any questions for mister Brandon?

Maybe not mister Brandon, but I've got some clarification questions in general for around this.

Well, right now is the time for you to question mister Brandon.

Sure. I mean, I I was under the impression that for any type of, like, first time offense like this, there would be some type of a warning or notice given in advance. We did, you know, shovel these sidewalks. We do regularly. And all of a sudden, we just got a bill in the mail for $280 from a previous date. There's no advanced warning or any notice given around this.

Okay. Hold on a second, mister Raymond. So are you are you able to answer his question about notice?

Yes. When it comes to sidewalk snow violations, everybody in the city this is all per ordinance. Everyone in the city, all residents have twenty four hours after the snow stops to clear their sidewalks, to bare pavement. If a complaint comes in after that twenty four hours that the sidewalk is not clear, an inspection will be conducted by my forestry staff. And if there's a violation, it gets sent immediately to contractor since the twenty four hour abatement window has already passed.

Do you have any other questions of mister Brannen and mister Raymonds?

I I mean, it this this feels unnecessary. Like, the there's there's no

Hold on. Hold on a second. Hold on a second, mister Ramos. You'll get an opportunity to testify. Okay. This is your opportunity, not a question to speak with us.

Nope.

Okay. Any questions from board members for mister Brannon? Okay. Mr. Ramos, what would you want to tell us?

Mr. Chair.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I apologize. I have one question. You said that this Mr. Brannan, you said that this was posted. Where was it posted?

There's a orange piece of paper, basically, that just get if there's a structure there, it'll get, posted to either, the front door, the railing, something like that. But that's the only notice we can give considering that it's, it's it's deemed to be a a public, hazard. And so there's no letters that get mailed out to we wouldn't we wouldn't be able to allow five days, for example, to send out a letter. So the only posting that could be is just the the written

There was no posting. Physical. So so I I know that mister Raymond hasn't had an opportunity to testify yet, but what we've gotten a preview of is that he's claiming that there was no posting, and I believe that's what his appeal says. Do have you any photo of the posting?

Let's see. I didn't look closely at the the door itself. Once again, we don't that's a that's a notification that your property was in violation and it's going to contractor. I would make the case that the property was correctly in violation or posted, or correctly cited for a violation, and the ordinance wasn't followed regardless.

What is I guess my next question would be, what is the purpose of the posting?

It's the only it's the, like, the only thing we are able to give, to basically say that your property has been cited for a violation.

So, again, I I haven't seen the posting, so I'm I wanna know what it says. Can you tell me what it should should have said?

It'll just say that it'll have your address on it. It's a orange small piece of paper, that says this property at this address was inspected at this day, and it's in violation of this ordinance. And then it has language of the ordinance.

At the point in which the notice is given, is that when the property is deemed to have, incurred the fees or after the contractor has shown up at the property and actually performed the work?

If the contractor shows up and the work is complete, there will still be a citation fee. That's what's considered to be the posting fee of $50. And if there's no work that's completed, then the only fine the only fee that stays is the $50 posting fee. If the property was not completed, then it'll incur all the other additional fines, the admin fee as well as the contractor fee.

K. Thank you. Mhmm.

I have a question for mister Brennan. Yep. This is chair Bobbitt. You know, our past policy has been pretty strict pretty much strict adherence to the posting. And I, as well as, poor memory, Yandell, cannot see the posting on the photographs that were given to us. And then also, I'm a little troubled by the fact that we're charging a $50 posting fee, and I can't see the posting. Do you have any explanation considering our past history?

I would say that it's, to in in my view, that's a bit of semantics just with the the posting fee. It's we call it a posting fee, really. It's an inspection fee. Obviously, there was an inspection completed with the, inspection photos. So that and what that does is, recoups the the the the inspection work that's done.

Okay. Any other further questions for board members? Are you mister Ramos regarding questions to mister Brannen? K. Mister Ramos, what would you like to tell us about your appeal?

I think it's just kinda echoing what I was saying before that there's kind of no notice. There was no posting. I'm looking at the photos right now as well, and this just kinda feels out of the blue. But, also, one thing I wanna point out, if you look at the photos closely, the after photos, it does not show their sidewalk. It is very slightly maybe better than than what I had already shoveled and removed snow and ice for. So it it doesn't it doesn't feel like the correction was even appropriate. But, again, this was, like, no no actual notice given. We keep up maintaining our property. And even after the work was done, there's clearly not just bare sidewalk, so it's a bit counterintuitive to to charge for that when we could pretty much do the same thing.

Oh, any questions for board members of mister Raymond's? Hearing none, we're in committee. Do I at this time, I'll entertain a motion on the appeal of James and Marissa Raymond's regarding, this matter.

Mister chair.

Mister Yandell.

I would move to grant the appeal. The city hasn't met its burden of proof. There is no showing that there's a posting, and I think that, he should have had a fair opportunity to see that there was, that he was going to have work done and perhaps that would have given him the opportunity to have cleared the sidewalk ahead of time. I would move to, grant the appeal.

I have a motion by board member Yandel to grant the appeal. Do I have a second?

Mister chair, I would second that.

Okay. We have a second. Any objections? Hearing none so order. Mister Raymond, we granted your appeal. You will not have to pay that money to the city.

Thank you very much. Have a good day.

K. At this time, we're gonna call number 7. The appeal of Jared Triplett Triplett Flag LLC, 9507 West Fond Du Lac Avenue.

K.

Snow removal fees. Is James is Jared Triplett with us? Yes. Good morning, mister Triplett. How are you doing?

Good. How are you doing?

Are you able to hear me? Yes. Who will be appearing for the city?

I will Brandon, City of Markey Forestry.

And mister Brandon has been previously sworn in. Mister Triplett, could you please raise your right hand?

Due solely to the penalties of perjury in the state of Wisconsin, that the testimony you're

about to give is the truth, the

whole truth, and nothing but the truth, mister Triplett? Yes. Thank you.

Okay. Mister Brennan, you may proceed.

Okay. For file number 26015, the property, at the address 95057 I'm sorry. 9507 West Fond Du Lac. This record was number PWCFDash25Dash01338. On 12/04/2025, there was a complaint regarding this property.

An inspection was conducted, and, a violation was, found to be present. So the property was cited and sent to contractor on the same day. On 12/05/2025, property was cleared by a city contractor. Associated with this, are the fees of $50 posting fee, $420 contractor fee, a $75 admin fee, and $34.65 for tax, bringing the total to $579.65. Included are inspection photos as well as the contractor before and after photos.

Okay. Mister Triplett here, have you had an opportunity to view the photographs submitted to the board by the city?

No. I feel I never received any photos.

Okay. Do you have any questions of mister Brannan?

No.

Do the board members have any questions of mister Brannan? Mister Triplett, what would you like

Excuse me?

Mister chair,

I have a question.

Mister Yandell.

What kind of a property are we looking at here, mister Brandon? Is this just land or is there a house? Appears to be a lot. And where would the posting have been made at this kind of a property?

I think it would be a good time to clarify that there is no or to the ordinance, there is no posting required. We do this as a it's something that we do as a like, just to alert the property owner, but we don't require a posting of any sort to the the the the notice to all city property, owners is the ordinance itself. The ordinance says twenty four hours to clear your property, and if you don't, you will get cited. And that is that's the warning to the the property owners. So when there's no vacant lot and no place to post, there's nothing we can do. We we you you have to adhere to the ordinance.

Can you tell us what what ordinance number we're looking

at? Absolutely. I'm pulling it up right now. It would be, one sixteen dash eight, sidewalks to be kept clean. The first section is all about snow and ice.

K. Can you bear with me while I just pull it up to Yep. So, mister Brennan, I wanna just make sure that I'm looking at the right, edition of the ordinances. The the date that I have on here is 05/07/2019. Is that the most current version of the ordinance?

That's the one I'm that's the one I see as well. I do see that, sidewalk snow was specifically exempted in act three seventeen, which is why, notification isn't required.

You said it was exempted where?

In act three seventeen.

And

where would I find that?

That is a good question. So this that information was given to me because we've gone down this road before about the the posting for sidewalk snow, and that was a legislation that was passed. I I can try to find a year.

I don't necessarily wanna hold up all of the proceedings here for this. So, mister chair, I I'd I'll leave it to your call how you think we should proceed on this.

Well, how we'll start right now is are there any further questions of the city's witness, board members, or mister Triplett?

You're asking if I have questions? Or

Do you have any questions of what city mister Triplett?

Just more about the notification deal here on, like

Well, mister Brennan's there. Fire away.

Like, in the past, I've gotten, emails or e notification, that the city offers. And, in this situation right here, like you said, that, you know, vacant land, the place where, that I need to shovel is high high foot traffic there. So it's like trying to get it down to bare bare concrete is, you know, very difficult. And then, with the, you know, 24 to do it, you know, that's just the difficult part. And I feel like the, fees are excessive in it when it comes to the amount of that's charged.

Mister Brannan, I I kinda put this in a question on behalf of mister Triplett. Is there enotify with this procedure?

All all properties that are cited would get enotify if the property owner has signed up to receive them. And that's not something that we I I don't physically send something. It's just the if your property is cited, it automatically would alert you.

Mister Triplett, are you part of eNotify?

To my knowledge, I am. I'm not a 100% sure when it comes to to like, I just obtained this obtained this property, roughly October. So, you know, any other property that I have, it's I'm a part of it, but I'm not sure if that's something extra I'd have to do or is that, automatic since it you know, the city knows that I'm the owner.

Mister Brennan, could you for the benefit of mister Triplett and the audience that's listening in, just a brief description of our eNotify system?

Yes, sir. So if you go to if you if you're able to, go to the eNotify section of the city's website, you will be able to, enter put in your property address, and you can do it for multiple properties if you have multiple properties. But you would need to put in each individual property that you own. And you can select the types of notifications you get. If you would like to know when the next ARBA meeting is, if you'd like to know, if there's a a community organization having an event in your area, if you wanna know if there's police, presence in your area, anything like that, you can literally go through and check the boxes and select what you would like to get notification for.

But you'd have to put in each individual property because we don't assume that you want to be alerted for everything.

At this time,

I see

I'm sorry. Is there one that specifically says for sidewalk removal?

Yes. Okay. Thank you. Sorry. At this time, I see ACA Joseph Dobbs. Did you wanna enter into the conversation? I see a little hand up on your screen.

Yes. Thank you, mister chair. I just wanted to jump in and provide the citation for act three seventeen if that would still be helpful. It's 2017 act three seventeen, which created Wisconsin statute section 66.0628 sub two m, which created a requirement that in general municipalities have to provide some notice before imposing fees. But the last sentence of that subsection says, it does not apply to a fee or charge related to the clearing of snow or ice from a sidewalk or to an ordinance violation that creates an immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare. Thank you.

I'm just trying to is that mister Yandel?

Yeah. I'm just trying to pull it up so I can read it so we know what we're talking about here. 0208, you said, attorney Dobbs?

0, 0628. 628.

I'm just gonna do a little side note here, mister Trippin. It almost looks like what happened here is that your recent property owner took this property over in October, and you probably weren't notified by our e notified system of this violation. So you should make sure that's in place.

Okay. And and then another question I wanted to ask, if you could do a breakdown of the, was it the contractor fees that made it? You know, it's, like, 500 plus dollars, and we're about a sidewalk clearing.

Well, I heard from the testimony that that the contract free was, was that 470 or $420?

420. It's based on the length.

And I wanna comment briefly on that, and I'm glad you brought that up. This board from from the last three or four years that I've been on it has encouraged contractors to bid on this work to try to keep the cost down. And so it is an open bid, and the top bidder got it. And that's what the fee is. And I know it seems high, but there's reasons for it because of not that much work. And when they're notified, they have to get out there right away and things along that line. So, hopefully, that answers your question. Just let me know when you're ready, mister Yandell.

Sure. I apologize. I'm just trying to review the record here.

No problem. I know what the requirements of the board are. We have a pretty strict adherence to this notice. In this particular case, I don't have as much problem with the notices because there's basically no place to post it because it looks like it's a pretty well open area.

And I feel like the city should have to at least do, like, a, you know, contact that will like you said, the rules say otherwise. But I feel like the notification system in this this scenario is a failure.

Miss Kotripa, I'll tell you. We'll we'll take any suggestions from you because this has been something this board has pounded on for the last three or four years. Emortify, posting, because we don't wanna bring people like you, honest taxpayers, into the system if we don't have to.

Actually, mister chair, I I think I've looked at this. I think I have a general understanding of it. I I don't wanna, like, spend too much time on it. I guess what I what I my concern is that we have been we generally have had strict adherence to our posting requirement. I don't see a posting, and I don't know offhand what the posting would say, but it seems that the purpose of it would be to alert a property owner that they're at risk of incurring additional, contractor fees.

And I I think I'm troubled by there not being a posting or any proof of a posting. And I think what I understand the testimony by mister Triplett to have been, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that he didn't receive that he signed up for e notify. Is that correct, mister Triplett? You're signed up for eNotify? Yes. And is it your testimony that you didn't receive a notice of this? Correct. And do we have any way of confirming that by mister Brannan or anyone anyone else?

Well, mister Triplett, I'm I'm a this is, chair Bobbitt. I'm a little confused. I thought that you you may not have been notified because you just purchased the property.

Correct. Then I had assumption that that I will be notified for everything with the fact that the city knows that I was on every other property I have, there was I'm notified. And this right here was a new one. I haven't purchased a property in the city of Milwaukee in fifteen years. So, you know, to know that I have to sign up additionally, You know? I guess we can say it's my mistake, but in the same sense, you know, I had no other way of being notified unless I go to the property and see something stamped on a on a tree, maybe.

Or the notified system that you just hadn't had an opportunity to enter into.

Mhmm. So can I clarify the testimony is that you were not signed up for e notify at this property, or you were signed up for e notified?

As of right now, if I checked right now, according to, mister Brannan.

Now. Not as of right now. As of the date of this, citation or of this

I'd have to go log in. I don't I'm not a 100% sure. I feel like, I don't have the paper in front of me, but I feel like when I notified the city that I was the owner, I would assume that that was, you know, was it, but I can't confirm or deny that right now. I don't have a paper in front of me.

Okay. I I have no further questions.

Any further testimony, mister Triplett? No. K. We're in committee. At this time, I'll entertain a motion.

I motion to deny.

I have a motion by Liz Hammer to deny Mr. Triplett's appeal. Do I have a second?

Mr. Chair, I would second that. I would just add to that, though, that I do feel that it should be on the cities. So I think my concern here is that that the snow here is a little out of control. The public should have a right to walk on the sidewalk.

And I think that, mister Triplett, if your testimony is you own other properties, I think that you should be aware of that. And I don't know that I necessarily buy that. I didn't know what to do, I didn't get a notice, especially given this much snow. But at the same time, I I do think if it's our policy to generally require strict adherence to notice requirements, I'm troubled that the city didn't include a a picture of a notice because that at least gives the property owner some opportunity to clear it. In this case, he would have had another full day to have cleared it and, just a bit troubled by that. But, nonetheless, I I will second.

Can I just add in there? Like I said, it's a high traffic area. So you said to get down to to bare concrete, which is is just difficult. You

know? Okay.

Well, I I think that that only makes it that much stronger that you should have been out there. If it's a high it's a high traffic area, then you should know that there's a lot of people who wanna use that sidewalk. So I think that only just makes me feel a little more, compelled to second this. But nonetheless, I still make the same, statement to the city.

K. I have a second by mister Iandaldo. I have any objections to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered. Mister Triplett, we denied your appeal. You'll be getting written notification of denial and what your appeal rights from our decision are. I wanna thank you for coming this morning. Please sign up for e notified, though.

You. Thank you. Everyone have a good day.

K. I'm gonna go to number eight, the appeal of Carmela Phelan for snow removal fees at $52.54 North 40 ninth Street. Is miss Phelan with us?

Just come to the table, sir.

Thank you. Mhmm.

I have to read this.

Good morning, miss Feeling. Can you hear me?

Yes.

Okay. Who'll be appearing for the city? Who'll be appearing for the city on the appeal of miss Phelan? Mister I

didn't realize I was muted. Sorry about that. Ben Brannon, City of Milwaukee Forestry.

Hey, miss Phelan. Mister Brannon has been previously sworn in. Would you please raise your right hand?

This only affirm that the pension penalties of perjury in the state of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Yes. Thank you.

Welcome. You may proceed, mister Brannon.

Sure. This address at 5254 North 49th Street, the record was PWCFDash25Dash10477. On 12/15/2025, there was a complaint made about sidewalk snow, and an inspection was conducted. The property was found to be in violation, and it was cited at that time on the on the same day. It was sent to contractor.

And on 12/16/2025, a contractor cleared the sidewalk with snow and ice. The fees associated are a $50 posting fee, $70 contractor fee, a $75 admin fee, $10.15 for tax, and a total of $205.15. Attached to the record are the inspection photo and the contractor before and after photos.

Hi, miss Phelan. Have you had an opportunity to to view the photographs submitted to the board by the city?

No. Photographs, I never saw.

K. Do we have those photographs at the board there to show her real quickly if possible?

I can't show her. Hang on.

Well, I don't need to see them. I know I know it was done. I saw it done, if that makes a difference.

Okay. So you do not need to see the photos? What you what would you like to tell us about your appeal, miss Field?

It got done. Well, usually, I rely on my family or my neighbors. So, of course, I thought they did, but my son said he didn't. So I assume one of my neighbors did. And the next thing I find out when I got the violation, who did it, who shoveled.

And I because of my medical reasons, I can't really get out there being retired. So and I normally always get some kind of info, whether it's posted, whether it's an email or knock at the door. Or the city always informs me one way or another. So I was very surprised that maybe there was something posted on my door and maybe the wind blew it away. All I can say is I and I have a mailbox, but usually, don't put it in the mailbox or they tie it to a garbage can if it's pertaining to that.

But I've been there since '98. And at this point, because of my medical issues and me being retired, I just couldn't afford it. So I was asking if you could help me out in this one time, and I'll make sure it won't happen again.

Mister Brennan, as a result of the testimony by mister feel by miss Phelan, is the city city willing to make any compromise resolution of this matter?

I would be happy to let the board make that decision. I at this time, I we're not gonna, reduce any fines.

How about the posting fee?

If you if if that's what you guys would like to do, absolutely.

Oh, yeah. Here's where I bring up the posting fees. I can't see the posting and the photos.

I think we need to rename it to an inspection fee. I think that's what we're gonna do going forward as well.

And how much is that in posting fee or inspection fee?

$50.

Are you willing to concede that to resolve this appeal, or do want it to go further on?

If she is willing to accept that, we can we can do that.

Okay. Miss Phelan, the city is willing to reduce it by $50. Is that acceptable to you?

That sounds, a great blessing, but I get paid only on the third. May I have until a little after April 3 to be able to pay it?

Well, it sounds like we've resolved this, but I'm thinking you bring up a very good question for the people in the audience. How does miss Phelan have to pay that money?

There will be a bill that gets mailed. I believe that there's thirty days to pay. Once you once you receive the bill, you have thirty days, to pay, that amount. And if there's if no payment received, then the, the amount plus I I I do believe that there's a $10 late fee. I'm not sure on that, but there is an additional fee that would get, added on, but then it would just get rolled into your tax your tax assessment.

Does that answer your question, miss miss Phelan?

Yes. It does. Thank you.

So from my understanding, you're willing to accept the the $155.15 charge?

How much? He said $50?

No. It's reduced by $50.

Oh, wow. No. I thought you said it would be 50.

No. It'd be reduced by 50 because the you'll still have to pay the contractor fee.

Oh, wow. And because it was supposed that that's all the discount they'll give me? Because That's correct. I won't be able to pay thirty days. If I do get that, I would have to be April, and then it would go to May to be able to afford to pay a 150.

Well, you'll have time to pay it. If you don't pay it, then there's just a $10 late fee. But if you want, that's gonna help resolve this matter this morning.

Do I have any other choices? Is that my final?

Well, that's a compromise settlement. I mean, can go to the full board and take your chances, but that's a compromise.

So that's why I'm asking, would they reduce it anymore? Can I get a more

of a I think that we're basically at the contractor fee?

So that's that's it. That's final.

That's correct.

Jeez. Alright. I'll have to take it.

Okay. At this time, I'm gonna take a I'm gonna entertain a motion on appeal of Carmela Phelan for it being be reduced to $1.55 15. Do I have a motion? Do I have an alternative motion?

A motion for the I'm sorry. What?

You have a motion for the $1.55 15?

Yes.

I have a motion by miss Hammer for the appeal of Carmela being granted in part and denied in part. Basically, the fee would be $1.55 15. Do I have a second?

Mister chair, I'll second it.

Okay. Second by mister Yandel. Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. We're gonna go to number nine. The number nine is the appeal of Sandra Scott. For snow removal fees at 3763 North 36th Street. Is miss Scott with us?

Yes. I'm here.

You're in the audience there, miss Scott?

Yes. Yes.

Good morning.

How are

you doing today?

Good morning, sir.

Who will be appearing for the city?

Ben Bradent City, Milwaukee Forestry.

Okay. Miss Scott, would you please raise your right hand?

Sorry, mister chair. I was just missing the last claimant. Do so only affirm that the pains and penalties are perjury in the state

of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth? I affirm. Thank you.

K. You may proceed, mister Bryan.

Okay. For the address 3763 North 36th Street, this record was PWCFDash25Dash00 10035 On 12/03/2025, after, responding to a complaint made about sidewalk snow and, ice, an inspection was conducted. The property was found to be in violation, and it was subsequently cited. On the same day, it was sent to contractor for abatement, and on the same day, it was cleared by city contractor on December. The posting fee of $50, $70 contractor fee, $75 admin fee, $10.15 for tax to a total of $205.15.

Attached are the inspection photo as well as the contractor before and after photos. This property, one additional note, since this has come up, previously, all the properties are heavily salted. This property was completed on at 07:36PM. Obviously, the the salt is gonna take a little bit more time to to kick in, but it was salted and, shoveled as as close as they could to bare pavement.

K. Miss Scott, do you have any questions as the city's witness?

Sir, I was under medical treatment, and I have had surgery on my left knee and and back, and I I am I get personal help in the home. And my consult my consultants with Iris was trying to help me find someone to, to shovel the snow, and I was looking to, but at that time, it took some time for me to get someone, which I have now, but I didn't have at the time. And I wasn't able to do it. I was under doctor's care right at that time. I think I sent the letter into you all from my doctor, that I was not able to do it and but it wasn't that I wasn't seeking help to get it.

Unfortunately, it's hard to get people good laborers nowadays, But I've been a property owner since '99, and I've never had this problem before. And Lord say the same, I don't ever plan on having it again. I was just in a situation that I had a flare up with my back that I wasn't able to otherwise, I woulda tried to do something. And so I'm just there was no notice. I was shocked when I got it.

I I there was no no sticker, no notice of any sort. I have I'm the type of person I'm a law abiding citizen, a good taxpayer, and I've I've I'm the type of person that I try to when I got help, I would try to help another neighbor to clear make sure they're clear. So, people that were elderly or whatever, I was just in a buying situation right at that time seeking help. And it just happened to be that, you know, I was caught at a in between situation. But, like I said, I've had property for many years in the city of Milwaukee, and, I played plenty of taxes and stuff, but I always I've never had this problem.

You know, it was just a adverse situation. And I'm just asking for the mercy of the court because I am on disability. My income reduced drastically because I had because of a work injury, and, it's just was an unfortunate situation.

Mister Brandon, as a result of the testimony from miss Scott, is the city willing at this time to make any compromise offered to resolve this appeal? You're muted, Brennan.

Sorry. Sorry. I did it again. I would prefer to, defer to the board if if if you would like to waive a fee. I would Please.

If the board decided to waive a fee, would that be a resolution that you could live with, miss Scott?

What do you mean by that? I'm asking to

Well, mister Brennan, could you go over the fee?

Freed up the whole thing?

Could you go through the breakdown again, mister Brandon?

Absolutely. There's a $50 inspection fee, a $70 contractor fee, a $75 admin fee, $10.15 per tax, and the total is $205.15. Of course, any service fee that would be reduced would also decrease the tax a little bit. But

And I didn't get any any type of notice or anything. I just I just needed they just happened to at that particular time, but I've never had this problem. I and and I've been a homeowner since '99. I've never had that problem. I wasn't trying to be irresponsible, but I'm just asking for that you guys will waive it because

Well, that's the whole the whole question here is what we we typically never never waive the contractor fee because somebody actually had to go out there and do it. And the city has generally been our policy is not responsible. So that's a $70 contractor fee. Then we also have a $10 tax fee. But we do have some maneuverability as I need the posting fee and the admin fee, which is a $125. At this time, I'd entertain a a motion by a board member to see if miss Scott would be willing to accept that.

K. If you would if I can just pay the 125, I would I can work with that.

Do I, well, that's certainly a fair compromise. That's for sure. Do I have a motion to accept the accept the grant miss Scott's motion in part and denying part? My understanding is that she's willing to pay the in posting fee and the administrative and a contractor fee for a total of $125. The administration fee would be the one waived as well as well, the taxes we can't waive, but they'd be reduced by the amount.

And I didn't get a I didn't get any type of posting on my door. I lived there. I was in the house. You know?

Well, did you wanna go to a possible compromise or go through a full hearing?

A full hearing.

Okay.

The compromise, I guess.

You want the compromise? Well, do I have a motion for the account?

I don't understand. Is it possible to what's the best that can happen?

Well, the best could happen is you don't have to pay anything.

That's what I'm asking. I was under I was under the doctor's care right at that time dealing with my back. I could not get it. I could not do it.

Well, you could see why I'm trying to bend over backwards because you certainly lay out a a case for, being a very responsible person and, you know, things happen, personal health and all kinds of things. So I'm trying to look for a compromise versus going to the thing. And my understanding is that if it's a $125 plus the tax, that'd be acceptable to you, or am I mistaken?

Yeah. I yeah. I'll take the $1.25.

K. Do I have a motion by board members then to grant in part and deny the part, part the appeal of Sandra Scott?

Mister chair.

Mister Yandell.

I would move to grant in part and deny in part granting the appeal as to the admin fee, denying as to the hosting and contractor fee. Miss Scott would still be responsible for the tax on that. I don't know what the total will be, but that's what my motion is for.

Okay. Have a motion by mister Yandelta granted part deny in part. Do I have a second?

Mister chair, I'll second.

Yeah. I have a second. Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. Well, miss Scott, take care of yourself.

I'm working on it.

And I'm glad that you got a backup in place now for seeing that we're starting to get a lot of snow again.

I never saw any pictures either.

Okay. Well, now I'm gonna call the appeal of Eric Shirley for Shirley revocable trust for snow removal fees at 319 East Bolivar. Who's here representing, Eric Shirley? Eric Shirley is. Eric Shirley, you're there? I'm here. Okay. Good morning, mister Shirley. How are you doing today?

Good morning, mister Bobbin. I'm fine.

How are you? Good. And who is appearing for the city of Milwaukee?

I'm Brandon at City of Milwaukee Forestry.

Okay. Mister Brandon has previously been sworn in to testify. Would you please raise your right hand, mister Shirley?

Do solely affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury in the state of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

I do.

Thank you,

sir. Okay. Mister Brandon, you may proceed.

Okay. For the address at 319 East Balmora Avenue, this record was PWCFDash25Dash10596. On 12/16/2025, a complaint was responded to by a four sheet technician. The property was inspected, found to be in violation for sidewalk snow and ice. It was cited at that time.

On December 16 on the same day, it was sent to contractor for, abatement. And on 12/17, the next day, it was cleared by contractor. The fees associated are $50 posting fee, $70 contractor fee, $75 admin fee, $10.15 per tax, for a total of $205.15. Attached to the record are the inspection photo as well as the contractor before and after photos.

Okay. I've you've been listening, mister Shirley, to previous hearings. Is there any compromise solution, mister Brannen, to this short of going to the board?

No, sir.

Okay. I have

a question for mister Brannan.

Yes, mister Yandel.

Mister Brannan, I'm looking at the picture here where the contractor is in the before and after. Is that one of the postings there on the railing? Is that what it would be?

It is. What happened here is the, inspector took the photo before they posted it. So it's just in reverse order. So the inspection photo happened, then the sticker was attached to the railing. So it's out of order. That's something I'll just talk to my inspectors about, just make sure that they take those in the right order, but it was properly cited at that time.

Mister Shirley, have you had an opportunity to view the city's photos?

Yes, sir. I have.

Okay. Okay. Any any questions for mister Brannen, mister Shirley? No questions. What would you like to tell us any questions from board members to mister Brandon? K. What would you like to tell us about your appeal, mister Shirley? I just moved to

the area, relocated here for a job. I bought that property in August, moved in in September. Wasn't aware of the ordinance, but I completely understand why it's in place. I'm aware of it now. I did receive that posting that was on the railing, so I was perfectly aware of the situation.

I travel quite a bit, so it happened to be on a day where I was out of town. So I completely understand why the city wants the sidewalks clear. I've since made arrangements for when I travel to have somebody else come in and clear those sidewalks quickly, so it hasn't happened since. Moved here from Southern Ohio where snow is not as big an issue as it is up here. So I say that for your sympathy coming from Southern Ohio, but, completely aware is why the city wants that cleared. So, I was just looking to make a compromise here and see if we could, eliminate some of that fee. But again, I completely understand why the city has that ordinance in place.

Any questions, for mister Shirley from by board members? Okay. We're in committee. At this time, I'll entertain a motion on the appeal of Eric Shirley. Mr. Chair. Mr. Yandell.

Move to deny.

I have a motion by board member Yandell to deny the appeal of mister Shirley. Do I have a second?

Mister Chair? I second.

Second by miss Hammer. Do I hear any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. Mister Shirley, I just wanna make a brief comment. I'm glad for you being so forthright with the committee regarding this appeal. As you can see in this case, we did we did see the sticker on the railing, but they didn't. We saw the backside of it versus the front. And, but I did look at the photos, and, there was quite a bit of snow that had to be removed. So I'm glad you have the situation under control, and welcome to the city of Milwaukee. Thank you, mister Bobbin.

You're welcome. At this time, I'm gonna call the number 11, the appeal of David Glabacki and Kim Kipp Mensler for snow removal fees at twenty three thirty one East New Newberry Boulevard. Hello. I see you, there, Kip Mensler.

Yes.

And is David with us?

He is not. He's working.

Okay. And who's gonna appear for the city of Milwaukee?

I'm Brandon, City of Milwaukee Forestry.

Hey. Mister Brandon has been previously sworn in. Would you please raise your right hand, mister Minser?

Do so only affirm under the pains and penalties of perch in the state of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Yes.

Thank you.

Okay. Mister Brennan, you may proceed.

The private property at 2331 East Newberry Boulevard. This record was PWCFDash25Dash10596. On 12/16/2025, there was a complaint made to the city of Milwaukee regarding, sidewalk snow and ice. A an inspection was, conducted at that time. There was a violation at that time.

It was cited and sent to a contractor for abatement on the same day. On 12/16, same day, the property was cleared by a city contractor of snow and ice. The fees associated are $50 posting fee, inspection fee, $280 contractor fee, $75 admin fee, and $24.85 for tax. The total is $429.85. As you can see from the inspection photos, the the property is a longer length, which is why the contractor fee is $280.

This time, it goes up, every 60 feet. So there was inspection photos and contractor before and after photos attached to the record as well.

Okay. Mister Menser, have you were you able to see the photos produced by the city?

I saw the inspection photos, but I have not seen the contractor photos.

Okay.

And I would I would argue that they I there was no any there wasn't anything done by the contractors from from what I can see at from what I can assume. I so I would like to see those photos.

Well, I I have contractor after photos in my file, which shows quite a bit of clearing.

And this was done all on the same day? This because I was home that entire day.

Which is The clearance the clearance photo is 121725. Start time, 07:40. End time, 10:40AM.

Okay. So because I did all of that the day before on the sixteenth that night. That was all done the same day as the post date by myself. I spent four hours doing that with my neighbors with their assault and with a a shovel and a pick. There was no there was never any work done that day or the next day by a contractor.

Well, because there's we have cut we have inspection photos. We have contractor photos. We have before and after contractors.

I I have seen the inspection photos. I have not seen so there's before and after contractor photos?

Yes. I have them in my file before and after.

I would like

The after is significantly different than the before.

I would like is there a way for me to see those photos?

Yeah. We provide them to you. I

The city website only has the contractor photos that I was able to or not the contractor, the inspection photos.

Mister Brandon, do you know whether or not, he would be able to see the contractor after photos?

And before.

I believe that they're yep. They're all attached to the file. So I believe anybody can go to their, to their appeal and pull up all the the photos that I attached.

I am in that appeal currently, and the only two photos are the inspection photos.

You wanna maybe I don't know. Is is the file like, if you keep going further down on the the record I have, it you just scroll all the way down, and there's contractor photos at the below that.

I mean, I can I can share my screen and and show you what I can see? But

I mean, if you want, mister Mensker, we can we can schedule it another time, or we could pass it and see if you can get them. But clearly in mind as we have before and after.

I would I would be very interested in seeing those because I spent again, I went out with my neighbor next door at and spent four hours on the the night before those contractor photos putting down tons of salt and make they did the same thing with us, and they did not get the same contractor fee. So I'm I'm very confused as to where the this is all coming from because it was all completely done the day before.

Well, all I can tell you is we have before and after and the after. Somebody put down a significant amount of salt because the sidewalk is

That's me.

I mean, so that's why I'm kinda confused because we do have

I am as well.

Well

I mean, I wish I could see those photos because I would be shocked if the true before and after were from them because I I the the sidewalk was clear for the most part at night the day before. And then when the sun came out the next morning, it was even more clear. So I would love to see those photos.

Well, you would you would acknowledge that the before photo shows a lot of ice. Correct?

The inspection? Yes.

Yeah. The

And I the notice. I I'm more than I I definitely got the notice because I went out and immediately started cleaning up when the notice was put on my front door.

Yeah. The photos are really clear. I I don't know how to resolve this. I guess what we should do is we should I'd entertain a motion to hold us for the call of the chair, and we can reschedule. And you have an opportunity to to look at the photos and discuss this with mister with mister Brandon.

I, yeah, I wish I could see those photos because I Okay.

At this time at this time, I'll entertain a motion to hold for the call of the chair.

Mister chair?

Yes. Mister Yandel.

I will move to hold for the call of the chair.

Do I have a second?

I'll second.

I have a second by miss Hammer. We'll we'll reschedule this, mister Mensker.

Thank you.

And the photos are really clear, so I don't I don't know what the problem is. They're ex yeah. They're very clear.

That is shocking to me because it was completely clear the night before they came. I I I don't know. I would love to see these photos.

Well, they're they're in our file, so you're you're getting them. At this time, I'm call number 12, the appeal of Misty Terrence Binkowski for snow removal fees at 4719 South 20th. Is Misty with us? Yes. I'm here. Good morning, Misty. How are you doing?

Good. How are you? And you did a good job at pronouncing my last name.

Well, normally, I always go last name, but with your last name being so long and we having trouble with my audio today, I'm a little under the weather. You did it? I'm calling you by your first name.

That'll be fine.

I'm up here on behalf of the city of Milwaukee.

We're in the city of Milwaukee Forestry.

Okay. Misty, would you please raise your right hand?

So only affirmative the pains and penalties of perjury in the state of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Yes. Thank you.

Okay, mister Brandon. You may proceed.

K. This address was 4719 South 20th Street. The record associated was PWCFDash25Dash11037. On 12/16/2025, there was a complaint made to the city of Milwaukee regarding tall or up, Sorry. Regarding, sidewalk, snow and ice.

An inspection was conducted, found to be in violation, and the property was cited. On 12/16/2025, the property was sent to contractor for abatement. And on 12/17/2025, the property was, cleared by a city of Milwaukee contractor. Fines associated with it are a $50, contractor or I'm sorry. A $50 posting inspection fee, $70 contractor fee, a $75 admin fee, and $10.15 for tax. The total is $205.15. Attached with the file are the inspection photo as well as the contractor before photo and after photo.

Do you

have any do you have any questions of mister Brennan?

Well, yes. I did not get a notice from the city. I only received a bill in the mail for the $205.15, which I was completely floored by because I have been a resident of Milwaukee for over five years and never had an issue, number one. Number two, and previous to that, I'd been a I've been I lived in Milwaukee previously to be in here for five years. So I do know the city ordinance with the sidewalks.

That particular weekend, I had been out of town. I went out of town Thursday night. So I was out of town Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and I did not get back till Monday evening. And I did not the other thing is my I don't usually do the snow removal. My my husband does or my my boyfriend does, and he had shoulder shoulder surgery.

So he's not been able to. So I've been trying to keep up on it as much as I possibly can because I've been working overtime. I've been working ridiculous hours hours of overtime, and, I've been trying to do it. As soon as we got back into town on that Monday night, I did go out there and try to remove the ice and the snow. It did not look like the after photos that I saw in the thing at all because I had to do a lot of work to get it out. So it did not look like that when for the after photos that you guys see. That's not what I ended up having to do on that Monday on that Monday when

we got

back. So I don't know how they got those photos because it didn't look like that when I went to it. I mean, it of course, it didn't look as bad as it as the before photos. But irregardless, I was not notified, and I was floored that I got this in the mail. And I've never had a citing smiley before. So I would like to at least have a lesser fee than what I was granted because I did not receive any notice besides the bill on the mail, if I could.

Mhmm. I'm

I'm just trying to do what I can.

Any questions from board members of miss Misty? Okay. We're in committee. At this time, I'll entertain a motion. I'll, I'll pass the gavel over to Mr. Yandell.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

At this time, I'm gonna make a motion to grant in part and deny in part, the appeal of Misty. I would motion that we waive the administrative fee, but she would have to pay the the, hosting fee and the contractor fee plus tax, which is a $120 plus tax. That's my motion.

Okay. We have a motion by board member Bobbitt for a grant in part and deny in part. The motion is to waive the admin fee, to deny the posting I'm sorry, to deny the appeal as to the posting and, contractors fee. Do we have a second? I'll second that. All right. We have a second. Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. I will pass the gavel back to mister Bobbitt. Mister Bobbitt?

Yes. Thank you. Okay, Misty. We granted your appeal in part and denied in part. You'll now be responsible to pay a $120 plus the tax. So you were given a reduction of $75 due to the circumstances.

Thank you. I appreciate. I really do appreciate that for you to have some grace at least lowering the fee. I appreciate that. And we will try not to have that happen again, but I'm doing the best that I can.

Thank you very much.

Appreciate it. Gonna call the appeal of John Saffaro for snow removal fees at 802 East Kewane Street. Good morning, mister Severo. I see you there on the screen.

Good morning, mister Baum. How are you?

Appear on behalf of the city. It just might be a few more minutes. Who's gonna appear here on behalf of the city?

I am so sorry. I keep doing that. Ben Brannett, City of Milwaukee Forestry.

Okay. Mister Saffaro, you've mister Brannett has been previously sworn in. Would you please raise your right hand?

Just only affirm that the pains and penalties of perjury in the state of Wisconsin that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

I do. Good morning, mister Crefaro.

Good morning.

Okay, mister Brandon. You may proceed.

K. For the property at 800 East Kewane Street, this record was PWCFDash25Dash10073. On 12/03/2025, an inspector a city of Milwaukee forestry inspector cited this property for sidewalk snow and ice based on a complaint that was made. On 12/03/2025, the property was also sent to contractor. On 12/05/2025, the contractor cleared, the sidewalks with snow and ice.

The fees associated are $50 posting fee, $210 contractor fee, $75 admin fee, $19.95 with tax, and the total is $354.95. Attached to the record are the inspection photos showing a corner property with a longer length, which is why the contract fee is higher, and also contractor before and after photos.

Mister Savara, have you had opportunity to see the photos?

No. I haven't. I did not receive any photos, and I did not get a posting. There was nothing on, my door. I have owned and lived in this property, which is a duplex, for forty seven years. I bought it in 1979, and I have taken care of it or have had someone take care of it for me, which now at my age of 74, I do need have someone help me with the snow and removal of that. This was a particularly hard storm. I don't know if you recall, but there was a lot of, wet snow, and it was ice. I did make I do have a tenant downstairs. It is a duplex, and I make arrangements for him to clear the snow.

But when this happened, he was out of town. So when it snowed that evening, and I, oh, I said, well, we are you gonna clear the snow in the morning? And I didn't he was gone. And so, the next day, I do have a degenerative spine, problem known as spondylolisthesis, which is a narrowing of the lower back, so I can't do any heavy work. I went out the next day and cleared whatever's the snow on top as I could, but, it was one of these snows, you know, where it snows and then the temperature drops to, like, 10 degrees, and it's it was about an inch of ice.

And it was like a block of ice. I went out. I went went to the hardware store. I got three bags of ice melt, put it down, waited, went out there, tried to do, but it was still hard. And, you know, but I I'm not able to chop and do any kind of like that. You know, I cleared the top of the snow as best I could with a shovel. But and then I tried to call to see if I could get a backup to help me to clear the walk. Like I said, I've owned this property forty seven years, and I've always cleared my I know I understand the ordinance. I know you know? Again, there was no posting.

Nothing stuck on my door or my I went and looked at my lower. There's it's a lower and an upper. I live upstairs. There was a, because I've got I did have gotten other I'll admit, I have gotten things like for, brush removal, but they would stick a something on my front door and says, you know, you need to clear this. And within, you know, forty eight hours, but there was no notice at all of that.

So I didn't even know that was it. So, anyhow, I put down the ice melting crystals. Still, there were not. I was and then I was gonna wait till the next day and put down some more, ice melt. And, but the next thing you know, I see there's a guy out there with a front loader. That's how bad it was. They needed a front loader to get the ice. It was so thick. So, I mean, I was just no pun intended, but between a rock and a hard place, you know, trying to get this, almost, you know, half an inch to an inch of of ice off the sidewalk. So I was doing what I what I could possibly do.

But, again, you know, like I said, I just, that's pretty much where it where you know, where it stands. I was doing whatever I try I was trying to do the best I could.

I was gonna I was gonna make the same comment in that when you said they needed a front loader.

Yeah.

The photo show a significant amount of, a significant amount of ice accumulation on the sidewalk. So remediation would be very the contractor fee to me seems very reasonable considering what the project looks like that had to be done.

Yeah. But, I mean, no. I'm not equipped with a back load with a front loader to get a block of ice off the sidewalk. I mean, I guess the city expect me to have a contractor.

I don't know. Is there any questions of mister Saffaro from board members? Okay. We're in committee. At this time, I'm going entertain a motion.

Mister chair? Mister Yandell.

I would move to grant in part and deny in part. I am looking at this at the ordinance, which is one sixteen dash eight. And one of the things that that I'm noticing in here since we've had so many of these today is that, one sixteen dash eight says it says that the owner occupant is responsible for clearing the sidewalk. And then it says whenever ice has so formed on any sidewalk that it cannot be removed, then the persons responsible for snow and ice removal under the subsection shall prevent the remaining ice from presenting a hazard to the users of the sidewalk by applying sand, abrasive material, or any product that melts ice to the entire paved surface. So I think, obviously, there was ice there.

Obviously, the city incurred some expense here, but it does seem that the appellant made a good faith effort to comply with the ordinance. And I think for that reason, I'm going to move to grant in part and deny in part. I will grant in part as to the posting fee and the admin fee and move to deny as to the contractor fee and any applicable tax.

Yeah. I have a motion by, board member Yandell to grant in part and deny in part. And by and large, what the motion is is that the appellant would be responsible for the posting fee and the admin fee, which is a $125 plus tax, but but would not be responsible for a $210 contractor fee. Do I have a second?

Mr. Chair, I'll second that.

Okay. We have a second. Any objection to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered. Mister Saffir, we granted your motion your appeal in part and denied in part. You'll be responsible for a $125 plus tax.

That's I I that's agreeable. I mean, because I think it was there were extenuating circumstances.

And thank you for this morning being here. This time, we have the appeal of Ying Mua for snow removal fees at 7805 North 76th Street. Is miss Yankou on there?

Excuse me. Excuse me. What number are we on? What number, please?

Who is asking?

This is property 2739 North 9th Street. I'm Number 25. I was asking what number you on.

Right now, we're at Number 14.

Okay. Thank you, sir.

K. Yeah.

I'm Ying's daughter and also her tenant. I have the rental agreement right here with my name on it, but I don't know if you could see that. Let me blur my background.

Well, who who is the property?

My mom, Ying Wu.

And because your mother do appear at a later date?

No. But I do I'm the tenant, so she doesn't live here. So that's why I have the rental agreement to show, like, I was here, so I'm supposed to be responsible.

But here's the problem. What do we decide your mother is gonna be responsible for? So either you can have your mother appear. We do have by Zoom appearance, or you can hire an attorney. But we will have to pass the case. Because whatever we decide, your mother is the one that's gonna be responsible for it.

It said if I have substantial interest, and I do because I live here. That's what the, letter said.

Well, I don't deny that. I I more or less think the substantial interest goes into the ownership of the property itself. Being a rental, I I think it's problematic because no matter what we decide, your mother's gonna have to pay, and we do have the accommodation of doing it by Zoom video. So, I mean, at this time, I would not feel comfortable going ahead without your mother being present. So we can pass the case, and I'll entertain a motion to hold for the call call it a chair.

I mean, I I guess, but it said substantial interest. So I I figured, you know, being the tenant and being on the lease agreement that says I'm responsible for the removal of, you know, snow and then mowing the lawn, that should be it. Because that's be oh, sorry about that.

That's alright. At this time, I'm gonna entertain a motion to hold for the call of the chair.

Mr. Chair, I would just ask if, ACA Dobbs would be able to provide some guidance on what a substantial interest means in this context.