01:04:58The most notable item on the agenda involved Kareem Aadi, a homeowner accused of improperly removing oak trees from his property at 11407 Gibraltara Place. Initially, a $2,000 fine had been levied against Aadi during a prior hearing due to the unauthorized removal of the trees, including a city-owned live oak from the right-of-way. Aadi appealed for reconsideration, explaining that the removal was an oversight resulting from hiring a contractor without proper guidance. His intentions were to enhance the aesthetics of his yard and the neighborhood, stating, “All I was trying to do is just make the yard look better and the community look better.”

01:35:55The board engaged in a thorough debate regarding the severity of the fine, weighing Aadi’s compliance actions, such as removing the trees and coordinating with the city arborist for replanting. One board member highlighted the excessive nature of the fine compared to other cases, noting, “I’ve never seen a case that exceeded at $250.” Another member pointed out Aadi’s steps to remedy the situation, stating, “he’s actually doing everything he can to come in compliance.”

Ultimately, the board decided to waive the fine in recognition of Aadi’s efforts, provided he completed the replanting as agreed upon with the arborist.

39:03Another notable case presented during the meeting involved property violations on Sunnyside Road. The code compliance officer documented multiple issues, including an unfinished driveway, mildew on a pool screen enclosure, and a missing window pane. The homeowner, Abdul Sherani, acknowledged receipt of the notice and outlined ongoing efforts to address the violations, such as dismantling the pool cage and disposing of miscellaneous items. However, the board stressed the importance of resolving the outstanding violations, particularly the driveway, which had been in disrepair for two years.

Sherani explained the complications encountered during the driveway’s preparation, including the removal of diseased oak trees and subsequent issues with settling and shifting fill material. A geotechnical engineer had been consulted to assess the foundation’s stability, with Sherani expressing a need for more time to address these concerns before proceeding with the driveway installation.

The board set a compliance deadline for September 10, 2025, with a $150 daily fine for continued violations beyond this date. Discussions among board members revealed varying opinions on the appropriateness of the timeline and fine, with some suggesting amendments to encourage faster compliance while considering Sherani’s challenges.

Additionally, the board addressed a case involving the Telecom Commercial Park Condo Association, where code violations were cited for unauthorized tree removal. The property manager had initially been unaware of the extent of landscape clearing, which was reportedly done to create outdoor seating for a tenant. The city arborist provided detailed reports on the original landscape requirements and the significant impact of the tree removal on the property’s canopy. The board deliberated on the appropriate response, ultimately imposing a $1,000 fine and requiring the replanting of five trees by August 13, 2025.

02:09:41The board also handled various other cases, including a roof violation on Terrace Springs Drive, where an extension was granted due to insurance-related delays. Meanwhile, a case involving a nuisance building on East Queensway Drive was noted for its upcoming demolition.