This is about one of the strangest, oldest disputes in Culver City history.
Surely some people were surprised when Rich Rownak of Barman Street walked determinedly into Council Chambers on Monday night.
They may have thought his un-neighborly feud with a neighbor, which, so far, spans two centuries, had been settled years ago.
Every once in awhile, it hovers into view.
Mr. Rownak brought a video — covering the history of his feud with a nearby business — that brought back the voices of long-gone City Hall leaders as they reviewed various promises and agreements made since the fight broke out.
Since 1996, Mr. Rownak has complained about sight-sound-smell violations that he maintains are being committed at the rear of the family-owned ready-to-finish furniture store on the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Barman — quite within the sightlines of his home.
Time for an Audit?
Mr. Rownak and his attorney believe the store owner is guilty of numerous code violations, right down to this very day, which is what brought them back to Council Chambers this time.
They sought a thorough audit of the business, by the city.
At various junctures over the past dozen years, claims have been filed maintaining that clutches of employees, working inside a fenced area at the back of the store, are using noisy tools and stinking paint to the detriment of Mr. Rownak. Further, it was determined at a point that the store, in a location that borders on a residential neighborhood, apparently was acting as a wholesale business, a violation of the municipal code.
Mr. Rownak lives across the street from the store.
A Lawyer with Multiple Incarnations
He has been presenting his case to whatever City Council is in power for so many years that his lawyer has had time to breeze through a few careers of his own, stepping from the City Council, to state director of the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, to being politically born-again last autumn when he was elected to the School Board.
Attorney Steve Gourley and his client told City Manager Jerry Fulwood and the Council that 12 years is long enough, and they have been patient enough to achieve a lasting solution.
“I appreciate the staff team that has been working on this matter,” Mr. Gourley said on a note of conciliation. “I think we are making great progress. There seems to be a resolution in sight.”
Not so fast.
Just a Little Longer
Mr. Fulwood’s response was mindful of the case where a customer forgets an order of dry cleaning from 30 years ago, suddenly remembers and visits the store. Only he is told to come back Friday. All of the clothes should be ready by then.
Mr. Fulwood said a proposed settlement recently was forwarded to the furniture store, and City Hall probably should hear back in 30 days.
Listeners sympathetic to Mr. Rownak could be pardoned for saying they have heard that before.
The furniture store may be ready to finish, but no one ever said that about this lingering case.
