04-22-91 Residential Neighborhoods & Public Works

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Joint Committee Meeting April 22, 1991 Page 4 Mr. Jim Fershin, Vice President of St. Joe Valley Home Builders Association and President of J.F. Custom Homes, raised the question of quality of workmanship. He noted that his organization has in place their own policing powers. He does not see where the public would gain anything by the Bill, and suggested that it either be amended or it by dropped entirely. Mr. Nussbaum noted that he had just checked again with regard to the Fort Wayne situation, and that it was indeed a bonding requirement at issue. He further noted his concerns with regard to additional staffing which may be needed, that a five day turn around time from receipt of the application may not be long enough. He stated that he would like to have further discussions on the overall topic, and believes that there is a good start but more discussion should take place. Patricia DeClercq, the Director of Code Enforcement, stressed that the building permit system is currently working. She stated that the work on Saturday and Sunday would not be addressed by the Bill, and that it does not set qualifications. She sees it as an unnecessary procedure which would drive the small contractors underground. She noted that she has had at least two meetings with the electrical contractors along with members of the legal department recently. She believes the Bill should be looked at, and that full scale licensing should be considered. Council Member Zakrzewski stated that he agrees that the home owner should be protected, but as Chairperson of the Public Works Committee, he would like to see the Bill continued. Council Member Zakrzewski then made a motion seconded by Council Member Luecke, that Bill No. 21-91 be continued indefinitely. Council Member Coleman spoke in favor of the continuance and stated that as a member of the "Mayor's Rental Policy Committee", that a broader perspective should be pursued. Council Member Ladewski noted that he is neither in favor nor against the Bill at this point. He stated that he contacted several contractors other than roofers, who were split fairly evenly on the proposed Bill. He stated that the Home Builders Association should have been contacted, and that he does not see the enforcement of the Worker's Compensation law as the City's duty. He also considered as a