06-22-92 Residential Neighborhoods

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RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE The June 22, 1992 meeting of the Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Loretta Duda at 4:45 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Duda, Kelly, Zakrzewski, Ladewski, Washington, Puzzello, Coleman, and Luecke, Mary Mueller, Don Fozo, Don O'Blenis, concerned contractors,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Duda noted that the purpose of the meeting was to review Bill No. 41-92 which would amend Ord.No. 8228-91 relating to the registration of building contractors. Mr. Don Fozo highlighted the bill. He noted that new home permits are up 48.6% over 1991. To date there have been ninety-seven (97) BZA filings, with approximately forty- five hundred (4,500) permits issued to date. He noted that there has been no permanent location for the office since the consolidation of the City and County Building Departments. As a result they are operating out of the seventh (7th) floor with with nineteen (19) employees using four (4) telephone lines and having no computer system available. The only computer is the one used by the BZA. He noted that as of March 1 the new fee ordinance went into effect. Mr. Fozo noted that he is discussing the possibility of having the County-wide ordinance addressing this topic. He has a meeting set for tomorrow and his further meetings set with bonding companies and other organizations. He believes that bonding may be an important part of the overall procedure. Mary Mueller of the City Attorney's office stated that the delay of implementation to November 1 would not delay the licensing aspect of the ordinance. She stressed that if the extension would be permitted that implementation would take affect on November 1 whether there is a permanent location for the building department or not. The business manager of Building and Fitters Union raised concerns over what he perceived as a lack of enforcement of unlicensed persons. He stated that state law provides that a consumer does not have to pay the bill if the work is done by a person not licensed by the state. Mr. Fozo stated that the City does not check for Journeyman cards since he only has two (2)inspectors for the entire County. Mr. Don O'Blenis, the business agent for the Roofers Union voiced concern over losing another construction season by such an extension. Council Member Coleman stated that the building department is working in good faith. He noted that Mr. Fozo is a man of his word and is committed to his work and there fore he would be supportive of the proposed bill. Council Member Puzzello questioned whether such a bill would be difficult to implement in the mid-construction season. Mr. Fozo noted that it would be and further noted that he began officially in this capacity on January 1, 1992 having been on a contractual for three (3) previous months. Council Member Puzzello also voiced concern over the lack of computer for this operation. Mr. Fozo noted that under the current working conditions his department is having difficulty tracking drawings and papers. Council Member Ladewski stressed the need for space and that it should be seriously followed-up by the City.