HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-09 Public Works and Property Vacation CommitteePUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION COMMITTEE 2-9-09
Chairperson Varner called the meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation
Committee to order at 3:35 p.m.
The following Committee Members were present:
Tom LaFountain, Vice-Chairperson, Timothy A. Rouse, Henry L. Davis, Jr.
Other Councilmember's Present: Ann Puzzello, Derek D. Dieter, Karen L. White, Al
"Buddy" Kirsits
Other's Present: Jamie Loo, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Jeremy Toschlog, Derek Spier,
Gary Gilot, Charles Bulot
Agenda: Bill No. 04-09 Alley Vacation Kalorama
Bill No. 06-09 Amend Code Building Department
BILL N0.04-09
Chairperson Varner recognized Derek Spier of Abonmarch Consultants to make a
presentation. Derek handed out an aerial and a site plan of the requested alley vacation.
He was acting as a representative of NNRO the current owners and Weiss Homes, the
contingent owner wanting to vacate the alley to allow the construction of two (2) new
homes. Due to the narrow width of the lots, the 7 additional feet were needed to allow
for two (2) homes.
Councilmember Puzzello reported that the Board of Works has approved the vacation.
Councilmember Rouse asked if all property owners within a 150' radius had been
notified. Mr. Spier said they had. Councilmember Kirsits asked about the curb cuts, to
which Gary Gilot said they would be removed. No one was present to speak for or
against so on a motion by Councilmember Rouse, seconded by Councilmember Henry
Davis, the bill was sent to full Council with a favorable recommendation.
*Councilmember Oliver Davis arrived at 3:47 p.m.
BILL N0.06-09
Chairperson Varner recognized the sponsor of the bill, Charles Bulot, Director, St. Joseph
County Building Department, to make a presentation. Mr. Bulot proceeded to make a
line by line explanation of the requested code changes. Some changes focused on raising
fees for permits to cove costs which have risen in the last 4 years since the fees were sent.
Another section formalized building permit timetables. i.e.) 6 mos. To start project, 1
year to complete, right to appeal for an additional year. Another section required proof of
contractor liability insurance. Another created formal designation and registration of low
voltage contractors.
Chairperson Varner asked Council if there were any questions. Councilmember White
asked about the projected income -how much and where it goes? Mr. Bulot estimated at
an average of 4 permits per week the increase would be about 30-40 thousand dollars all
of which would be used to fund the Building Department, which he reminded the Council
was not a property tax supported department.
Councilmember Rouse probed with operating costs questions to which Mr. Bulot
indicated 2 inspectors positions and one front desk position were currently unfilled and
would remain so until the economy recovers.
On a motion by Councilmember Rouse, seconded by Councilmember Henry Davis and
approved by all, the bill was sent to full Council with a favorable recommendation.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Chairperson Varner
adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
r,,,. % ~ ~~..
David Varner, Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee