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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-91 Committee of the Whole flnmmlttrr Erpnrt COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Mu tip Cumin Moonlit of tip (Mtn of 0;3 4 Brnd: The October 28, 1991 meeting of the Committee of the Whole was called to order by Vice Chairperson, Council Member Loretta Dude at 4:20 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Donald Niezgodski, Ann Puzzelloa, Loretta Duda, Stephen Luecke, William Soderberg, Linas Slavinskas, Thomas Zakrzewski, Sean Coleman, and Eugene Ladewski; Patricia DeClercq, Dick Nussbaum, Don Porter, Members of the news media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Duda noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion on Substitute Bill No. 21-91 addressing Pre-Licensing and Licensing Requirements For Building Contractors. She noted that the Bill has received many modifications. She noted that it began as a Consumer Protection Bill and a Workers Protection Bill. Despite the many compromises made, she believes that it is a step in the right direction. Patricia DeClercq noted that it is a compromise between the City Administration and the original Bill proposed. She noted that currently her department does not have testing, and that it took the County eighteen (18) months to develop testing in one (1) particular area. It was further noted that there is no uniform test which the City is currently aware of which could be utilized as a part of the licensing mechanism. A new substitute page four (4) was provided to the committee. This Amendment included changes to Section 6-55 entitled "Building Commissioner To Institute Licensing Procedures. " It would include " (a) " at the beginning of the Section and add a new paragraph (b) , which would allow the Council to modify or extend the timetable upon the written request and recommendation of the Building Commissioner. Patricia DeClercq noted that such a process to extend the timetables would be a very public process in that the Council would be included throughout the implementation phases. Council Member Slavinskas questioned how many contractors would be affected. Specific figures were unavailable. He speculated that new income of approximately $150,000.00 may be generated by the Pre-licensing fee of $75. 00 per registration. He recommended that a nonreverting fund be established to help offset the cost of implementing the program. Mr. Nussbaum noted that he believed the $75. 00 fee was reasonable in light of the time and services that would be provided by the City. He stated that he could not present an official position with regard to a nonreverting fund, however, he was aware that the City Controller opposed creations of new nonreverting funds at the current time. Council Member Slavinsias noted that since the Council is the steward of tax dollars, that he would feel much more comfortable with the program if a nonreverting fund would would be established. Council Member Duda stated that she also would support a nonreverting fund. Several questions were then asked relative to the Substitute Bill. Council Member Duda reminded the Council that the original concept came from the Building Contractor Industry with the focus being upon registration, and the requirement that proof of Workers Compensation insurance and public liability insurance be shown. Council Member Luecke suggested that consistent terminology be included throughout the Bill, and the Council Attorney advised the committee that she would have appropriate ammendments for this evening's meeting. Following further discussions, Council President Niezgodski made a motion, seconded by Council Member Luecke that Substitute Bill No. 21-91 as amended be recommended favorably by the Council. The motion passed with Council Members Slavinskas and Puzzello obstaining. There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Respecfully submitted. Council Member Loretta Duda Chairperson, Committee Of The Whole Attachment.