A family matter, turned court matter, became an issue for the township board last week.
It centered on the liquor license transfer from the name Orion House, Inc. to Cooley LLC, at the location now known as Christi’s Bar & Grill.
Brothers Nick, Steve and Phil Christi all attended and spoke at last Monday’s meeting and the issue was delayed until a special budget meeting last Wednesday. It was at that meeting where the board ultimately approved the transfer of the shareholders and the license.
The brothers have been in court arguing the matter, but the board said it couldn’t act to delay based on private rights that are out of their control.
‘We checked into this thoroughly and we have little jurisdiction in any of it,? Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk said. ‘This is just out of our scope.?
Dywasuk said the issue of names on the liquor license is one for the courts, where an appeal is still pending.
All the township can do, according to Dywasuk, is approve or disapprove of the license based on police, fire and building department concerns, or things of that nature.
‘It’s unfortunate to see an issue like this,? he said. ‘We feel for them and their situation.?
Nick Christi said any dispute between he and his brothers is essentially settled.
‘The litigation is complete as far as the transfer of the license,? Nick Christi said, citing a circuit court decision.
He asked for expediency on the matter, because of fines that would have to be paid on the liquor license, if the matter was not resolved by Sept. 1.
Steve Christi said the decision is now in the hands of a probate court judge, and asked that no names be added or removed from the liquor license until the next hearing in mid-September.
‘It’s a life-altering decision here and there is pending litigation,? he said. ‘I believe my name is still on that license and I’d ask that it be retained on there until the probate court makes a decision.?
Phil said Nick has not paid rent on a building owned jointly by all of the brothers, and added that still he owes $75,000 to both Steve and himself, according to the memorandum agreement.
‘He hasn’t paid us a penny. He refuses to pay us,? Phil said. ‘What he does do is pay high-powered attorneys to have injunctions against me and basically try to steal this from us.?
Nick noted that the change of the liquor license had to be done, as state law requires it to be the same name as the restaurant, which is also under Cooley LLC.
He thanked the board for taking the proper action in the matter.